Legal Definitions - representative

In legal terms, a representative is an individual or entity authorized to act, speak, or make decisions on behalf of another person, group, or organization. This role involves standing in the place of the represented party and exercising their rights or responsibilities, often with specific legal authority.

• Example 1: Business Negotiations

  Imagine a company that manufactures specialized industrial equipment. When they want to sell their products to a new client, a sales representative from the manufacturing company would meet with the client, present the products, negotiate terms, and sign contracts. In this scenario, the sales representative acts on behalf of their employer, the manufacturing company, to secure business deals. Their actions and agreements legally bind the company they represent.

• Example 2: Guardianship for an Incapacitated Adult

  Consider an elderly individual who has developed severe dementia and is no longer capable of managing their finances or making medical decisions. A court might appoint a family member or professional as their legal representative, often called a guardian or conservator. This representative is legally empowered to make critical choices about the individual's healthcare, living arrangements, and financial assets, always acting in the best interest of the person they represent.

• Example 3: Class-Action Lawsuit

  Suppose a large group of consumers discovers that a widely sold electronic device has a dangerous defect. Instead of each person filing an individual lawsuit, one or a few individuals might be designated as the class representatives in a class-action lawsuit. These representatives stand in for all other affected consumers, presenting evidence and arguing the case in court on behalf of the entire group to seek compensation for the collective harm caused by the defective product.