Mandatory vs. Mandatary — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
Mandatory refers to something required by law or rules, while mandatary involves someone authorized to act on another's behalf.
Difference Between Mandatory and Mandatary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mandatory refers to a requirement or obligation imposed by laws or regulations, indicating something that must be complied with. Whereas mandatary describes a person who has been assigned a mandate, usually involving the representation or execution of specific duties for someone else.
In legal terms, mandatory conditions are non-negotiable and are enforced by authority, often involving penalties for non-compliance. On the other hand, a mandatary typically acts under a mandate which is a more flexible arrangement, allowing them to execute tasks on behalf of the mandator, but with less rigid obligations.
The origin of mandatory is rooted in the Latin term 'mandatus', meaning command. This reflects its application in situations where authority enforces commands. While, the term mandatary also originates from 'mandatus', but focuses on the delegation aspect, not enforcement.
In practical applications, mandatory measures are commonly seen in regulations such as mandatory safety protocols in workplaces. Conversely, a mandatary’s role is evident in scenarios like a lawyer acting on behalf of a client in legal representations.
Mandatory elements often pertain to public policy, where these stipulations ensure adherence to societal standards and safety. While, mandatary relationships are primarily contractual and personal, focusing on private agreements between individuals or entities.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Required by law or rules
Someone authorized to act on another’s behalf
Legal Obligation
Strong, with penalties for non-compliance
Flexible, often based on a private agreement
Context of Usage
Often in public policy, safety regulations
Legal representations, delegated duties
Basis of Authority
Authority enforces compliance
Authority given by a private individual/entity
Root Word
Latin 'mandatus' (command)
Latin 'mandatus' (command)
Compare with Definitions
Mandatory
Unavoidable within a legal context.
Compliance with these regulations is mandatory.
Mandatary
An agent authorized to act for another.
As his mandatary. she signed documents on his behalf.
Mandatory
Imposed as an obligation.
Attendance at these meetings is mandatory.
Mandatary
Someone tasked with specific duties by another.
The mandatary took care of all contractual negotiations.
Mandatory
Necessary by regulations.
Mandatory safety drills must be conducted monthly.
Mandatary
An appointee carrying out mandates.
The mandatary ensured all legal protocols were followed.
Mandatory
Enforced by an authoritative body.
Mandatory evacuations were ordered due to the hurricane.
Mandatary
A person acting under a mandate.
The lawyer was the mandatary for the estate.
Mandatory
Required by law or rules.
Wearing helmets while riding a motorcycle is mandatory.
Mandatary
A representative designated by legal agreement.
He appointed a mandatary to handle his financial affairs.
Mandatory
Required by law or mandate; compulsory
Wearing helmets was made mandatory for pedal cyclists
Mandatary
A person or nation receiving a mandate.
Mandatory
Variant spelling of mandatary
Mandatary
One who receives a mandate.
Mandatory
Required or commanded by authority; obligatory
Attendance at the meeting is mandatory.
Mandatary
One to whom a command or charge is given; hence, specifically, a person to whom the pope has, by his prerogative, given a mandate or order for his benefice.
Mandatory
Of, having the nature of, or containing a mandate.
Mandatary
One who undertakes to discharge a specific business commission; a mandatory.
Mandatory
Holding a League of Nations mandate over a territory.
Mandatary
The recipient of a mandate
Mandatory
A mandatary.
Mandatory
Obligatory; required or commanded by authority.
Attendance at a school is usually mandatory for children.
Mandatory
Of, being or relating to a mandate.
Mandatory Palestine
Mandatory
(disc golf) A sign or line that require the path of the disc to be above, below or to one side of it.
Mandatory
A person, organisation or state who receives a mandate; a mandatary.
Mandatory
Containing a command; preceptive; directory.
Mandatory
Obligatory; compulsory; required by authority.
Mandatory
Not optional; not able to be modified or disregarded; as, seven mandatory clauses in the contract.
Mandatory
Same as Mandatary.
Mandatory
The recipient of a mandate
Mandatory
A territory surrendered by Turkey or Germany after World War I and put under the tutelage of some other European power until they ar able to stand by themselves
Mandatory
Required by rule;
In most schools physical education are compulsory
Attendance is mandatory
Required reading
Common Curiosities
Who can appoint a mandatary?
Any individual or entity needing representation can appoint a mandatary.
What are examples of mandatory requirements?
Laws requiring tax filing and safety standards are examples of mandatory requirements.
What does mandatary mean?
Mandatary refers to a person authorized to act on behalf of another.
What is mandatory?
Mandatory means something that is legally required or obligatory.
Can something be mandatory without legal implications?
Typically, mandatory implies legal implications, though it can refer to any strict requirement in less formal contexts.
What is the role of a mandatary in legal terms?
A mandatary acts as an agent, fulfilling responsibilities under the authority given by someone else.
Can a mandatary make decisions on their own?
A mandatary must act within the scope of the mandate given, which may or may not include decisions.
How does one become a mandatary?
Becoming a mandatary usually involves a formal agreement or contract.
Is mandatory compliance always enforced by law?
Yes, mandatory compliance is typically enforced by laws or authoritative guidelines.
What happens if mandatory rules are not followed?
Non-compliance with mandatory rules can lead to penalties, fines, or other legal actions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
