Actual Authority
/ˈæk.tʃu.əl əˈθɒr.ɪ.ti/
Definitions
- (n.) The authority expressly or impliedly granted by a principal to an agent to act on the principal's behalf.
The agent acted within his actual authority when he signed the contract for the company.
Forms
- actual authority
- actual authorities
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Actual authority differs from apparent authority in that it is directly granted by the principal, either expressly or implicitly, and is crucial in determining the agent's power to bind the principal.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.