Classification and types of agent

Often agents are classified depending on their level of authority as special agents, general agents or universal agents. An agent’s level of authority can be determined from the agency agreement or the conduct of the parties or from the agent’s position. For example, the managing director of a company has the implied authority to do all those acts that fall within the usual scope of that office. Alternatively, an agent can be said to have had “apparent authority” (also called “ostensible authority”) arising from the principal’s representations to a third party. If the principal creates the impression that the agent is authorised to act, then they are estopped from later denying the authority of the agent.

See Classification and types of agent.

See Types of authority — express/implied/ostensible.

Nationally, there are numerous pieces of legislation that to varying degrees create or affect the agency relationship.

See Legislation.