THE PLACE OF THE MACEDONIAN NOTARY OFFICE WITHIN THE MAJOR WORLD TYPES OF NOTARY SYSTEMS

Abstract

The notary office plays an important role in ensuring legal certainty within different legal systems worldwide. Comparative legal theory distinguishes between several major types of notary systems, most notably the Latin (continental) and the Anglo-Saxon (common law) models. This paper examines the place of the Macedonian notary office within these global classifications. It argues that the notary system in North Macedonia belongs to the Latin type of notary office, characterized by the delegation of public authority to independent and impartial notaries. Macedonian notaries are empowered to draft public instruments with enhanced evidentiary and enforceable value and to perform a preventive legal function by ensuring the legality of legal transactions. Through these functions, the notary office contributes to legal certainty, efficiency, and the reduction of court caseloads. The paper concludes that the Macedonian notary office represents an integral part of the European Latin notary tradition and a significant component of the national legal system.