The Law Department at the College of Law and Politics, University of Human Development (UHD), conducted a seminar on the topic of the Power of Attorney (POA) and the duties of a notary public under the Iraqi legal system. It was held at the Seminar Hall on March 2, 2025.

The seminar was introduced by UHD Law Department lecturer Dr Asos Namiq Brakhas, moderated by Law Department student Ms Ivan Aso Muhammed, and presented by Notary Public Mr Warzer Anwar Arif.

Mr Arif addressed two main issues during the seminar. One issue was the authority and duties of the notary public; what they are supposed to do and the legal authorities granted to them according to Iraqi law. The other issue was the POA, which is one of the most common functions of notary publics.

There are generally two types of POA: specified and general (limited and broad). That is, the principal (individual) gives the agent (attorney-in-fact) limited or broad power to act on behalf of the principal in making decisions about the principal’s property, finances, medical care, and other legal matters. Mr Arif elaborated on both types and explained their purposes, how and when they are organised, what elements they consist of, when they are considered legal documents, for how long they are valid (the durability of the document), and under what conditions they can be revoked. Mr Arif pointed out that a power of attorney document is a type of contract, but it is also different from a normal contract. He identified some misunderstandings of this legal document by people and, at times, by officers working at public institutions. He also addressed the legal gaps associated with both notary public duties and the POA document.

The seminar concluded with questions and comments from the audience. It is worth mentioning that a large number of students, primarily from Years 4 and 5 of the Law Department, attended the seminar.