How does agency law differ across various jurisdictions?

Agency law indeed varies based on state laws, which significantly impacts the extent of authority and liabilities involved in agency relationships. Each state has the power to enact its own regulations and common law principles regarding agency, leading to differences in how concepts like expressed authority, implied authority, and ratification are applied. Some states may also have unique procedures for terminating agency relationships or addressing disputes that arise from them.

This variation reflects the idea that while there are foundational principles of agency that are widely recognized, the specifics can differ substantially, leading to potential disparities in interpretation and enforcement across jurisdictions. Federal law does not uniformly govern agency law, as it primarily pertains to specific areas such as employment or securities, rather than general agency principles. Therefore, saying that agency law remains consistent across all states or that it is wholly governed by federal law does not accurately represent the way agency operates within the legal framework. Additionally, agency law is not confined to commercial contracts; it encompasses a range of relationships in various contexts. Thus, the key takeaway is that agency law is deeply influenced by state-specific laws and rules, which can lead to distinct outcomes based on jurisdiction.