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basic constraint extension



Hello all,

the draft-ietf-pkix-ipki-part1-10 says the basic constraint extension 
MUST appear as a critical extension in all CA certificates but it 
SHOULD NOT appear in end entity certificates.

Why should the basic constraint extension not appear in end entity 
certificates ? Is it purely to safe some bits or is there another
reason, like keeping the draft more flexibel, e.g. to allow an
end entity to issue a certificate for his encryption key himself using
his signature key and certificate ?

In general, is it possible for an end entity to use his signature key 
and certificate to issue a certificate for his encryption key himself ?
Or do you have to have the CA bit set to true in your certificate in
order to be able to issue certificates for your own encryption keys ?

Any ideas and thoughts are welcome !

Best regards - Petra
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