Which form of authority is explicitly stated in writing?

Which form of authority is explicitly stated in writing?

• A. Implied Authority
• B. Statutory Authority
• C. Expressed Authority
• D. General Authority

Answer: (C)

Expressed authority is the power that the principal explicitly grants to the agent, usually in writing or in clear, direct instructions. In title work, that means the client has given you specific permission to act on their behalf through a written document or clearly stated terms—like a signed authorization, power of attorney, or engagement letter. Because the authorization is clearly stated by the principal, it’s considered expressed. Implied authority, by contrast, comes from the nature of the relationship or the duties the agent must perform to carry out their role, even if a specific instruction isn’t written. Statutory authority is permission granted by law or statute, not by the principal’s own directive. General authority is broad and non-specific, lacking the explicit instructions that define expressed authority.

Expressed authority is the power that the principal explicitly grants to the agent, usually in writing or in clear, direct instructions. In title work, that means the client has given you specific permission to act on their behalf through a written document or clearly stated terms—like a signed authorization, power of attorney, or engagement letter. Because the authorization is clearly stated by the principal, it’s considered expressed.

Implied authority, by contrast, comes from the nature of the relationship or the duties the agent must perform to carry out their role, even if a specific instruction isn’t written. Statutory authority is permission granted by law or statute, not by the principal’s own directive. General authority is broad and non-specific, lacking the explicit instructions that define expressed authority.