Define: General Authority

General Authority
General Authority
Quick Summary of General Authority

General authority refers to the permission granted to an individual to act on behalf of another person. This permission can be granted through various means, including written documentation or the actions of the person granting the authority. There are different forms of authority, such as intentional actual authority and perceived apparent authority. Authority can also be restricted to specific transactions or encompass all aspects of a business. In the context of government, authority pertains to the power or jurisdiction of a governmental agency or corporation. Legal documents, such as statutes or court rulings, are also considered forms of authority and can be utilised to bolster legal arguments.

Full Definition Of General Authority

General authority pertains to the legal right or permission granted to an individual to act on behalf of another person. This encompasses the ability to affect the legal relations of the other person by carrying out actions in accordance with their agreement. For instance, a principal may authorize a real estate agent to sign a contract on their behalf, which is an instance of actual authority intentionally given by the principal to the agent. Another type of authority is apparent authority, which is the authority that a third party reasonably believes an agent possesses based on their interactions with the principal, even if the principal did not intend to confer the authority. For example, if a principal permits an employee to act as a manager and make decisions on their behalf, the employee may have apparent authority to make those decisions, even if they lack actual authority. General authority may also refer to the power or jurisdiction of a governmental agency or corporation that manages a public enterprise, such as a transit authority. Additionally, legal documents such as judicial or administrative decisions, statutes, and ordinances can be considered authority and used as precedent in legal arguments. The examples provided illustrate the various types of authority and their applications in different contexts. For instance, an employee has actual authority to make decisions on behalf of their employer because the employer intentionally granted them that power. Similarly, a real estate agent has apparent authority to sign a contract on behalf of their client because the client allowed them to act as their agent. A transit authority has general authority to administer public transportation in a specific area, while a court decision can be used as authority in a legal argument.

General Authority FAQ'S

General authority refers to the power or permission granted to an individual or entity to act on behalf of another person or organisation in a broad and unrestricted manner.

General authority can be established through various means, such as a power of attorney document, a contract, or by virtue of a person’s position or role within an organisation.

Yes, general authority can be revoked by the person or organisation that granted it. This can be done through written notice or by terminating the underlying agreement or relationship.

Someone with general authority is typically responsible for making decisions and taking actions on behalf of the person or organisation they represent. They must act in the best interests of the grantor and within the scope of their granted authority.

Yes, general authority can be limited or restricted based on the specific terms and conditions outlined in the granting document or agreement. The grantor can impose certain limitations or conditions to ensure the authority is exercised in a manner they deem appropriate.

In some cases, general authority can be transferred to another person through a legal process known as delegation. However, this transfer must be explicitly authorized by the grantor and comply with any applicable laws or regulations.

If someone with general authority abuses their power, they may be held legally liable for their actions. The grantor or affected parties may pursue legal remedies, such as filing a lawsuit for damages or seeking an injunction to prevent further abuse.

Yes, general authority can be granted to multiple individuals, either jointly or severally. Joint authority means all individuals must act together, while several authority allows each individual to act independently.

Yes, general authority can be granted for a specific period of time, such as during a temporary absence or for the duration of a specific project. The granting document or agreement should clearly specify the duration of the authority.

Yes, general authority can be granted to a corporation or organisation, allowing them to act on behalf of their members or shareholders. This authority is typically granted through corporate bylaws, resolutions, or other governing documents.

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Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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