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NeCede's

Maxim 6.3.18

Unless a mandate is gratuitous, it is not a mandate.

Mandatum nisi gratuitum nullum est.

Source: Dig. 17, 1, 4; Inst. 3, 27; 1 Bouv. Inst. n. 1070; Bouvier, *Law Dictionary* (1856) Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate

Explanation

A true mandate at civil law is a gratuitous commission — if compensation is required, the arrangement is not a mandate but a contract for hire, with different obligations.

Where this applies

  • I asked a friend to handle a task for me for free — if I start paying them, does the nature of the arrangement change?
  • Is my unpaid volunteer agreement the same as a paid contract?

Legal domains

contract

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 6.3.18 — Unless a mandate is gratuitous, it is not a mandate. — Dig. 17, 1, 4; Inst. 3, 27; 1 Bouv. Inst. n. 1070; Bouvier, *Law Dictionary* (1856) (Mandatum nisi gratuitum nullum est.)

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