Outline Flashcards
Agency is…
A fiduciary relationship that arises when a principal appoints an agent to act on his behalf and the agent consents
Assent of both parties
Agent acts for benefit of principal.
Agent is within principal’s control.
Principal must have contractual capacity; Agent need not
Agent’s Fiduciary Duties
Duty of care
Duty of loyalty
Duty of obedience
Principal’s Duties to Agent
- indemnify
- compensate
Actual Authority
Express or Implied
Authority agent:
1. reasonably believes she has
2. based on principals words or action
Effect on agent
Implied Actual Authority
Can be inferred from:
1. words or conduct
2. custom, or
3. prior acquiescence
Actual Authority is terminated when:
- specified
- circumstances have changed
- duty is breached by agent
- principal or agent dies
- a party terminates it
Apparent Authority
Effect on third party
Principal holds out another as possessing authority leading third party to reasonably believe authority existed
May be established by title or position
Actual authority can become apparent authority after it ends if principal does nothing to prevent it
Ratification
principal will be bound even if agent had no authority if he ratifies the contract through acceptance of benefits
Ratification requires:
1. knowledge of all material facts
2. acceptance of entire transaction
3. capacity
It cannot be used to alter rights or intervening parties
Cannot ratify if:
- illegal performance
- other party withdrew
- material change in circumstances
Liability of agents Contract Acts
ONLY Principal will be liable if there was authority or ratification.
Agent AND principal will be liable if principal is undisclosed or partially disclosed.
Liability for Agent’s Torts
Master and servant are joint and severally liable for acts within the scope of employment
Principal generally not liable for acts of independent contract. Independent contractor depends on:
1. skill required
2. tools and facilities provided
3. period of employment
4. basis of compensation
5. business purpose in furtherance of principal or contractor
Principal may be liable for Independent Contractor’s Acts if:
- inherently dangerous activities
- Delegation of nondelegable duties
- Principal knowingly hired incompetent contractor
Detour
Minor deviation
Frolic
substantial deviation
Employer is only liable for intentional torts if they are:
- within the nature of the job
- to serve the employer
- authorized or ratified by employer