Definitions-Agency and Partnership Flashcards
Agency-Three Elements
- Consent
- On behalf of
- Control
Three types of Agency
- Actual
- Apparent
- Inherent
Actual Agency Relationship
Exists when there has been express or implied consent by the principal and agent that agent will act on behalf of principal and under principal’s control.
Apparent Agency Relationship
Exists when a principal has allowed a third party to reasonably believe that a non-agent has actual agency authority.
Inherent Agency Power
A term used to indicate the power of an agent which is derived not from authority, apparent authority or estoppel, but solely from the agency relation and exists for the protection of persons harmed by or dealing with a servant or other agent.
Equal Dignity Rule
When the Statute of Frauds would apply to a contract executed by an agent:
1. The agent’s authority to bind the principal must also be in writing or the principal is not liable.
Exceptions: Corporate officers or General partners
Ratification
Occurs whenever a principal elects to validate an agent’s previously unauthorized act done on the principal’s behalf. The result is that the act will be treated as if it had been authorized originally. It will relate back in time to the original act.
Six Types of Agency Relationships
- General Agent
- Special Agent
- Co-Agent
- Dual Agent
- Subagent
- Agent’s Agent
General Agent
Conducts a continuous series of transactions for the principal and the principal is bound by all the usual and customary transactions of the agent.
Special Agent
Conducts either a single transaction or small series of transactions for the principal and teh principal is only bound for the acts that are necessary to accomplish the specific agency purpose.
Co-Agent
A principal may delegate as many agents as he wishes and each agent is a co-agent with the other. The co-agents are no responsible for the acts of the other co-agents.
Dual Agent
An agent who represents two or more principals that are dealing at arm’s length. This creates a conflict of interest but is acceptable as long as:
- The agent provides full disclosure of material fact and;
- There is informed consent, usually in writing.
Sub-Agent
Appointed by the agent with the authorization of the principal.
Agent’s Agent
An agent appointed by an agent to perform functions for the agent and not for the benefit of the principal. The principal is never responsible for the agent’s agent.
Two Types of Actual Authority
- Express
- Implied
Both can occur in the same fact pattern and if that occurs, I need to discuss both.