sous seing prive

SOUS SEING PRIVE. An act sous seingprive, in Louisiana and by the French 
law, is an act or contract evidenced by writing under the private signature 
of the parties to it. The term is used in opposition to the authentic act, 
which is an agreement entered into in the presence of a notary or other 
public officer. 
     2. The form of the instrument does not give it its character so much as 
the fact that it appears or does not appear to have been executed before the 
officer. 7 N. S. 548 5 N. S. 196. 
     3. The effect of a sous seing prive is not the same as that of the 
authentic act. The former cannot be given in evidence until proved, and, 
unless accompanied by possession, it does not, in general, affect third 
persons; 6 N. S. 429, 432; the latter, or authentic acts, are full evidence 
against the parties and those who claim under them. 8 N. S. 132. See Act; 
Authentic act.