In legal contexts, a representative acts on behalf of another, known as the principal, with the authority to bind the principal in agreements or other actions. This relationship is established through consent, where the principal grants the representative the power to act, and the representative agrees. For instance, a real estate broker acting for a homeowner in the sale of property is an example. The actions of the representative are considered the actions of the principal, within the scope of the authority granted.
This framework is fundamental to various aspects of commerce and personal affairs, facilitating transactions and activities that individuals or entities may be unable to undertake themselves. It simplifies complex operations, allowing specialized knowledge or geographical advantages to be leveraged. Historically, this concept evolved from early trading practices, where individuals entrusted others to conduct business in distant markets, and has been refined through centuries of legal precedents and statutes.