Who is referred to as the principal in a legal context?

In a legal context, the term "principal" refers to the individual who grants authority to another person to act on their behalf through a legal instrument such as a power of attorney or will. This person is the one whose interests are represented and whose decisions are being executed by the agent or attorney-in-fact.

When a power of attorney is established, the principal is the one who designates another person to make decisions regarding their legal or financial matters. In the context of a will, the principal is the testator, the individual whose wishes are documented and carried out after their death. This understanding is crucial in establishing the rights and responsibilities of each party involved in legal transactions, as the principal's consent and intention are fundamental to the validity of these documents.

Other roles mentioned in the question serve different functions. The witness of a signature, for instance, does not hold any authority over the document itself and is there primarily to attest to the authenticity of the signatures involved. Similarly, the notary public facilitates the signing process but is not a party to the agreement, and the party receiving the power of attorney acts on behalf of the principal rather than being the principal themselves. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the principal's unique role in legal instruments.