ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Acting (law)

Acting in law means performing a task or taking on a role on behalf of someone else. It is like when you ask your friend to hold your toy for a bit while you go to the washroom. Your friend is acting for you because they are taking care of your toy while you are away.

In law, people can act for other people in many ways. For example, a lawyer can act on behalf of their client in court. This means they speak for their client and represent their interests to the judge and jury. It's like when your mom talks to the teacher on your behalf when you are absent from school.

Another example is an executor acting on behalf of the estate of someone who has passed away. This means they take care of things like distributing the person's belongings, paying off their debts, and making sure their wishes are followed. It's like when your dad takes care of your grandparent's house and belongings after they pass away.

Overall, acting in law means someone is taking on a responsibility or task for someone else's benefit. And just like how you trust your friend to hold your toy or your mom to talk to your teacher, people trust lawyers and executors to act for them in important legal matters.
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