The Unauthorised Agent Perspectives from European and Comparative Law

The focus of this book, the legal situation created when an agent acts without authority, is one of the most important issues in agency law. The analysis is divided into three sections: apparent authority, ratification and the liability of the falsus procurator. Adopting a unique comparative perspective, the contributions are drawn from many different legal systems, providing the opportunity for analysis of the European common law/civil law divide. The analysis extends beyond Europe, however, taking into account the mixed legal system of South Africa, as well as the United States. Finally, there is a useful consideration of the Principles of European Contract Law and the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts 2004. This study will be an invaluable guide for those interested in the study of comparative law, international practitioners and those interested in the harmonisation of European Private Law.

1. Introduction Danny Busch and Laura Macgregor; Part I. The Civilian Legal Systems: 2. French law Séverine Saintier; 3. Belgian law Ilse Samoy; 4. German law Martin Schmidt-Kessel and Ana Baide; 5. Dutch law Danny Busch; Part II. The Common Law: 6. English law Cheng-Han Tan; 7. The US restatement (third) on agency law Deborah De Mott; 8. Unauthorised agency, the American restatements and other common law countries Francis Reynolds; Part III. Mixed Legal Systems: 9. Scots law Laura Macgregor; 10. South African law David Yuill; Part IV. International 'Codes': 11. The principles of European contract law Danny Busch; 12. The UNIDROIT principles of international commercial contracts Danny Busch; Part V. Conclusions: 13. Comparative evaluation Danny Busch and Laura Macgregor; 14. Comparative conclusions Danny Busch and Laura Macgregor.

Adopting a comparative perspective, this 2009 book considers the legal situation created when an agent acts without authority. With reference to several European legal systems, South Africa and the United States, it also takes into account the Principles of European Contract Law and the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts 2004.