What are the differences between a general agent and a special agent?

In Massachusetts, and in other states, the law of business transactions includes different types of agents who can act on behalf of their principals in different ways. A general agent is an agent authorized to undertake a wide range of activities on behalf of their principal. Generally, a general agent is given wide discretionary authority in the performance of their agency. On the other hand, a special agent is an agent authorized to perform only certain specific activities for their principal. A special agent’s authority is limited to performing only those explicitly enumerated tasks and can not go beyond that authority. Differences between a general agent and a special agent include the scope of the services they are authorized to provide, the discretion that they are permitted to exercise, and the duration of their authorization. For instance, a general agent can act on behalf of their principal for an indefinite period, without specific direction from the principal, while a special agent may only be authorized for a limited period of time, with detailed instructions from the principal. In addition, a special agent can only undertake certain specific tasks while a general agent is given a wide range of powers and can take any action he/she believes appropriate for the benefit of the principal. In conclusion, the difference between a general and a special agent is that a general agent has a broader range of authority and less specific instructions, while a special agent has a more limited range of authority and more explicit instructions from the principal.

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What are the differences between a general agent and a special agent?

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