Business Law Exam 4 Flashcards
Agency
Specialized business relationship between one party known as the “principal” and another known as the “agent”
Nature of Agency Relationship
Parties
Delegation of powers
Parties
Principal
Agent
Principal
Party who appoints a second party to serve as an agent
Agent
Party appointed by a principal to enter into a contract with a third party on the principal’s behalf
Delegation of Powers
From principal to agent
Act in good faith on behalf of principal’s interests
Enter into contracts on principal’s behalf
Classification of Agents
General agent
Special agent
General Agent
Authorized to carry out particular kind of business or all business at a location
• FDIC
• Funeral Director in Charge
Special Agent
Authorized to transact specific act or act(s)
Creation of Agent’s Authority
Express authority
Implied authority
Apparent authority
Express authority
Stated in agreement creating agency
Authority by appointment
Example:
Written Power of Attorney
Implied authority
Authority to do things in order to carry out express authority
Apparent authority
Authority agent believed to have because of principal’s behavior
Other Employment Relationships
Independent contractor
Employer
Employee
Independent Contractor
Person who undertakes to perform a specified task according to the terms of a contract
Other contracting party has no control except as stated in the contract
Employer
Party who hires employees to do certain work
Employee
Person hired to perform work
Employer and Employee
Employee performs work for employer
Employee under control of employer for work and manner of completion
Employer liable for injuries to third parties caused by negligence of employees
Employer liable for torts committed by employee acting within scope of employment
Employer must comply with laws relating to employees
Social security deductions (FICA)
Worker’s compensation (FUTA and SUTA)
Federal and state income tax withholdings
Agent’s Duties to Principal
Loyalty and good faith Obedience Reasonable skill and diligence Accounting Information
Principal’s Duties to Agent
Compensation
Wages
Reimbursement
Expenses incurred during course of employment
Indemnification
Compensation for sustained losses
Adherence to terms of employment contract
Termination of Agency
By act of the parties
By operation of law
By Act of the Parties
Original agreement
Subsequent agreement
Revocation
Renunciation by agent