Who is considered a principal in agency law?

In agency law, the principal is defined as the person who authorizes another individual, known as the agent, to act on their behalf. This relationship is foundational to agency law, as it establishes the authority of the agent to make decisions and enter into contracts that bind the principal. The principal has the power to control the agent’s actions within the scope of their authority, which is crucial for the agency relationship to be effective.

Understanding this distinction is vital in recognizing the roles and responsibilities that are inherent in such legal relationships. For example, in many scenarios, the principal is the party whose interests the agent is working to protect or promote. This can include various contexts, not limited to employment but extending to business and legal matters.

The other roles mentioned in the options, such as the agent or third party, play different roles in the legal framework, but none hold the authoritative position that the principal does.