Delegation

In Civil Law. A kind of novation by which the original debtor, in order to be liberated from his creditor, gives him a third person, who becomes obliged in his stead to the creditor or to the person appointed by him. See "Novation." Perfect delegation exists when the debtor who makes the delegation is discharged by the creditor. Imperfect delegation exists when the creditor retains his rights against the original debtor.

2 Duv. note 169.

At Common Law. The transfer of authority from one or more persons to one or more others. All persons, swi juris, may delegate to another authority to act for them in a matter which is lawful and otherwise capable of being delegated. Comyn, Dig. "Attorney," c.

1; 9 Coke, 75b; Story, Ag. § 6.

In Legislation. The whole number of the persons who represent a district, a state, and the like in a deliberative assembly; as, the delegation from Ohio, the delegation from the city of Philadelphia. DELEGATUS DEBITOR EST ODiOSUS In lege. A delegated debtor is hateful in law.

3 Bulst. 148.