What does agency law primarily deal with?

Agency law primarily deals with the relationship between agents and principals. This area of law focuses on the authority given by a principal to an agent to act on their behalf in dealings with third parties. The principal is the person who grants authority, while the agent is the individual who acts to facilitate these transactions or perform tasks for the principal's benefit. Understanding this relationship is crucial, as it involves various legal implications, including duties of loyalty, care, and obedience owed by the agent to the principal, as well as the ability of third parties to hold the principal accountable for the actions taken by the agent within the scope of their authority.

The other options are not focused on the core aspects of agency law. The legal relationship between parents and children pertains more to family law, whereas the obligations of employers to employees are governed by employment law. The responsibilities of independent contractors fall under different legal considerations, focusing on contracts and the specific terms agreed upon. Therefore, the central theme of agency law is the dynamics of the agency relationship itself, making it a distinct and essential area of focus within legal studies.