A more thorough explanation:

Exemplum (eg-zem-plum) is a Latin term used in civil law to refer to a written authorized copy.

An example of an exemplum would be a certified copy of a birth certificate or a marriage license. These documents are considered legal proof of the original record and can be used in place of the original.

Another example of an exemplum would be a notarized copy of a legal document, such as a will or a power of attorney. This copy is authorized by a notary public and is considered a valid substitute for the original.

The examples illustrate the definition of exemplum by showing how a written authorized copy can be used as a substitute for the original document. In civil law, it is often necessary to provide proof of important events or legal agreements, and an exemplum can serve as a valid form of evidence.