511 likes | 1.55k Views
LAW OF AGENCY. What is agency?. …When one person, with the necessary authority to do so, conducts a juristic act for and on behalf of another in such a manner that he obtains rights and obligations for the other person without him acquiring any rights or becoming accountable
E N D
What is agency? • …When one person, with the necessary authority to do so, conducts a juristic act for and on behalf of another in such a manner that he obtains rights and obligations for the other person without him acquiring any rights or becoming accountable • Fouché (2007) pg 244
What is agency then? • One person acts on behalf of another • The act is a juristic act • The act is authorised • The action results in a legal tie between two people, one of which was not involved in the original action
How does agency arise? • By agreement • By operation of law • Through estoppel • By ratification
Authority by Agreement • By agreement Principal gives Agent authority to act on his behalf • No formalities required • Can be by way of written Power of Attorney
Authority by Operation of Law • Where one party in absence of agreement has authority by law to represent another • Eg: • Guardian representing a minor • Curator acting for mentally insane • Partner representing a partnership or other partners
Authority through Estoppel • Where a person creates the false impression that another person may act on his behalf and a third party acts on the strength of that (mis)representation, the “principal” can be bound by the false impression he created.
Authority by Ratification • Where the “principal” gives his consent or authority after the representation has taken place
The Effects of Representation • The legal bond will exist between the principal and the third party. • The agent does not acquire any rights or duties
Specific types of Agents • Auctioneers • Del Credere Agents • Brokers • Estate Agents • Insurance Agents
Duties of the Agent • To perform in accordance with the principal’s instructions • Act honestly and in good faith • Display care, skill & diligence • Account to the principal
Duties of the Principal • To pay the agreed remuneration • To account • To reimburse the agent for all expenses necessarily incurred by him • To indemnify the agent for all losses or liabilities incurred in performing the authorised act
The Doctrine of the Undisclosed Principal • Where the agent acts on behalf of a pricipal without disclosing the fact. • Requirements • Agent must be authorised to act for principal • Agent must have intended to contract on behalf of principal • Agent must fail to disclose agency at all • Third party can sue principal or agent but not both
Liability of the Agent • Principal (not agent) liable if agent guilty of misrepresentation or duress • Agent liable if he acts outside of his authority • Agent liable for any guarantees he has given (eg: that the principal will pay etc…)
Termination of Agency • On fulfilment of the mandate • By expiry of agreed time period • Supervening impossibility of performance • Death of the agent or principal • By agreement