Investiture

Investiture, from the Latin (preposition in and verb vestire, 'dress' from vestis 'robe') is a rather general term for the formal installation of an incumbent (heir, elect of nominee) in public office, especially by talking possession of its insignia. The term is normally reserved for formal offices of state, aristocracy and church.

Secular usage

The term is used to describe the installation of individuals in institutions that usually have been extant from feudal times. For example, the installation of heads of state and various other state functions with ceremonial roles are invested with office. Usually the investiture involves ceremonial transfer of the symbols of the particular office.

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Judges in many countries, including justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, are invested with their office. American justices typically take two oaths: one to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and the other to apply the principle of Equal Protection to the rich and the poor (source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,170760,00.html). Likewise, university presidents, rectors and chancellors are invested with office.

Related Topics:
Supreme Court of the United States - Constitution of the United States - Equal Protection

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