When a principal authorizes an agent to perform a particular act, this is an example of what type of agency?

When a principal authorizes an agent to perform a particular act, it exemplifies a special agency. In a special agency, the agent is given the authority to perform a specific task or set of tasks on behalf of the principal. This type of agency is characterized by a limited scope of authority, where the agent's actions are confined to the specific act they have been authorized to undertake.

For instance, if a homeowner hires a real estate agent to sell their house, that agent is acting under a special agency agreement. The agent’s authority is limited to the sale of that particular property and does not extend beyond that specific task.

In contrast, general agency would grant broader powers to the agent, allowing them to act on behalf of the principal across a wider range of activities. Limited agency typically refers to an arrangement where the agent’s role is restricted to a non-exclusive capacity in regard to representing multiple clients. Dual agency occurs when a single agent represents both the buyer and the seller in a transaction, which requires more comprehensive consent from both parties due to the potential for conflicting interests.

Thus, the essence of a special agency lies in its specificity, making the designation of the authority clearly defined and limited to a particular act.