Delegate Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Delegate, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Delegate?

1\) v. To give authority to another. 2) n. The person chosen by an organization, interest group or business to attend a conference, convention, or meeting.

History and Meaning of Delegate

To delegate is to give authority to someone else to act on your behalf. The word "delegate" originated from the Latin word "delegatus" which means "sent on a mission." This term has been used in the context of politics and governance, where elected officials delegate their authority to a representative or a delegate. In organizational and business settings, delegating tasks and responsibilities is a key to ensuring the smooth functioning of operations.

In the legal sense, delegation is a process by which one party transfers their power and authority to another party. This power can range from general authority to act on behalf of the delegator or it can be specific and limited to a certain task.

Examples of Delegate

  1. The CEO delegated the responsibility of hiring new employees to the HR department.
  2. The President of the United States appointed a delegate to represent the country at the United Nations General Assembly.
  3. The shareholders of the company elected a delegate to attend the Annual General Meeting.

Legal Terms Similar to Delegate

  1. Attorney-in-fact: A person appointed by another to act as their agent in legal matters.
  2. Power of Attorney: A legal document that allows one person to act on behalf of another in financial or legal matters.
  3. Agent: A person authorized to act on behalf of another, either through a formal agreement or due to the nature of their relationship.