What term refers to the unilateral juridical act where a principal confers authority on a representative?

The term that refers to the unilateral juridical act where a principal confers authority on a representative is "Procuration." In the context of Louisiana law, procuration specifically denotes the process by which a person, known as the principal, grants another individual, known as the attorney-in-fact or representative, the authority to act on their behalf. This act can include various powers, such as executing contracts, managing financial transactions, or making decisions in legal matters.

Procuration is characterized by its unilateral nature, meaning that it is initiated by the principal without requiring the consent of the representative. This formal mechanism ensures that the representative is legally empowered to undertake actions that bind the principal.

In contrast, the other terms provided have different meanings. An authentic act refers to a document executed in accordance with specific legal formalities, while agency relates to the broader legal relationship where one party, the agent, acts on behalf of another, the principal, but may involve bilateral agreements. Suretyship involves a third party guaranteeing the debt or obligation of another, which is unrelated to the authority conferred upon a representative. This distinction clarifies why procuration is the accurate term for this particular legal concept.