mandatarys

Mandatarys, or mandatary in its common English form, refers to individuals who hold a mandate from a higher authority to perform specific tasks or represent others. The word derives from the Latin mandatum, meaning an instruction or command, and is used in both political and legal contexts. In English-language usage, mandataries is a less common plural; mandataries is more widely encountered, while mandatarys appears in some legal or historical texts.

In political contexts, mandatarys are elected or appointed representatives who receive a mandate from voters or constituencies. Their role is to advocate for the interests of those who elected them, make policy decisions within constitutional and legal constraints, and act in the public interest. The scope and duration of a political mandate are typically defined by law, constitutions, party rules, or electoral mandates, and representatives may be subject to recall, accountability mechanisms, or party discipline.

In civil law, a mandatary is a person who acts on behalf of a principal under a mandate contract. The mandatary is entrusted with carrying out tasks and has authority to act within the limits of the mandate, which may be explicit or implied. Duties include loyalty, good faith, confidentiality, and compliance with instructions. The principal remains liable for acts performed within the scope of the mandate, while the mandatary must avoid conflicts of interest and overstepping authorized powers. Mandate termination can occur upon completion of the task, revocation, or expiry.

See also: mandate, mandatary, mandate contract, agent, representative.