Commission

In law a commission is an act granting a person an office or position. Most commonly this term is used when a public officer appoints a person to a government or military office, but the term also applies to any appointment of an agent by a principal under the law of agency.

A commission is also the letters patent that serve as evidence of the appointment. There have been cases where the validity of a person's appointment has been disputed based on whether or not the commission was properly made and delivered, such as the landmark Marbury v. Madison of the United States Supreme Court.

A commission is also a fee or allowance given to a sales person or agent in exchange for services rendered.

A commission may also be the entire government agency that operates under the authority of a government officer.

See also

commissioned officer, writ, warrant (legal), warrant officer, stock broker, Royal Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission

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