In contract law, what term describes a person who works under the employer's authority?

In contract law, the term used to describe a person who works under the authority of an employer is "agent." An agent is an individual authorized to act on behalf of another person, known as the principal, in legal matters, which often includes making decisions and entering into contracts. This relationship is fundamental in various contexts, including employment and business transactions, where the agent acts under the guidelines set by the principal.

The concept of agency is central to understanding responsibilities and liabilities that arise in contract law. The agent creates a binding obligation for the principal when operating within the scope of their authority, which underscores the importance of this relationship in legal and business practices. The distinction of an agent from other terms like employee highlights the broader role they play, often representing the interests of the principal in various transactions.

In contrast, an employee is specifically someone hired by an employer to perform tasks and may have different rights and obligations, whereas a contractor is typically an independent entity retained to perform specialized work without being under direct authority. Thus, the accurate term for someone working under an employer's authority within the context of agency and contract law is indeed "agent."