Which term describes something that is legitimate and lawful?

The term "de jure" refers to something that is legitimate and lawful, typically indicating that it is in accordance with the law. This Latin phrase translates to "of lawful right" and is often used in legal contexts to denote what is official and recognized by law, regardless of whether it is actually practiced or enforced.

In contrast, "de facto" describes a situation that exists in reality, even if not legally recognized or formalized. While "legitimus" does imply legality and legitimacy, it is more specific to a context of legitimacy rather than a general legal term. The term "necessarium" indicates necessity rather than legality. Therefore, "de jure" is the most precise choice for describing something that is both legitimate and lawful in legal terms.