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NeCede's

Maxim 4.4.3

A delegate cannot delegate.

Delegatus non potest delegare.

Source: 9 Co. 77; Broom, *Legal Maxims* (1874), p. 840; 2 Kent, Comm. 633; Jackson, *Latin for Lawyers* (1915), Max. 180; Weisman, 4e Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

One entrusted with authority by another cannot sub-delegate that authority without express permission — confidence is personal, not transferable.

Where this applies

  • An agent passes their authority to a sub-agent without permission.
  • A power of attorney holder delegates their authority to someone else.

Topics

Agency

Legal domains

commercialcontract

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 4.4.3 — A delegate cannot delegate. — 9 Co. 77; Broom, *Legal Maxims* (1874), p. 840; 2 Kent, Comm. 633; Jackson, *Latin for Lawyers* (1915), Max. 180; Weisman, 4e (Delegatus non potest delegare.)

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