Legal Definitions - mediate powers

Definition: Mediate powers are subordinate powers that are incidental to primary powers. These powers are given by a principal to an agent and are necessary to accomplish the principal task. They are different from primary powers.

Examples:

• Adjusting debt is a mediate power to collecting debt.
• Approving expenses is a mediate power to managing a budget.
• Signing contracts is a mediate power to negotiating deals.

The examples illustrate how mediate powers are necessary to accomplish the primary task. For example, collecting debt is the primary task, but adjusting debt is a mediate power that helps achieve the primary task. Similarly, managing a budget is the primary task, but approving expenses is a mediate power that helps achieve the primary task.