> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.zen.land/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is an Agent?

> How Zenland agents provide professional dispute resolution.

## The Role of Agents

Agents are **professional arbitrators** who resolve disputes between buyers and sellers when they can't agree.

<Card title="Think of it like..." icon="scale-balanced">
  An agent is like a judge for your escrow. When there's a disagreement, they review the evidence and make a fair decision.
</Card>

***

## How Agents Work

```mermaid theme={null}
graph TD
    A[Dispute Opened] --> B[Agent Invited]
    B --> C[Agent Reviews Case]
    C --> D[Buyer & Seller Present Evidence]
    D --> E[Agent Decides Split]
    E --> F[Funds Distributed]
    F --> G[Agent Receives Fee]
```

### Key Responsibilities

* 📋 **Review disputes** — Examine terms, evidence, and communications
* ⚖️ **Make fair decisions** — Determine how to split escrowed funds
* ⏰ **Respond promptly** — Act within 7 days of being invited
* 🎯 **Stay neutral** — No relationship with either party

***

## Why Stake?

Agents must **stake funds** to participate. This creates accountability:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Skin in the Game" icon="piggy-bank">
    Agents risk their own money if they misbehave.
  </Card>

  <Card title="MAV Limits" icon="chart-line">
    Stake determines the maximum escrow size they can handle.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Economic Alignment" icon="handshake">
    DAO token stake shows commitment to the protocol.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Slashing Risk" icon="scissors">
    DAO can slash stakes for proven misconduct.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## What Agents Earn

Agents earn fees for their services:

| Fee Type           | When Earned                 | Typical Range |
| ------------------ | --------------------------- | ------------- |
| **Assignment Fee** | When selected for an escrow | 0-2%          |
| **Dispute Fee**    | When resolving a dispute    | 1-10%         |

<Note>
  Most income comes from dispute fees. Assignment fees are optional upfront payments.
</Note>

### Example Earnings

```
Escrow: $10,000
Dispute Fee: 5%

Agent resolves dispute...
Agent earns: $500
```

***

## Agent Selection

Users choose agents when creating escrows. Selection criteria:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Reputation" icon="star">
    Number of disputes resolved, time as agent, community feedback.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="MAV" icon="coins">
    Maximum escrow value the agent can handle (based on stake).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Fees" icon="percent">
    Assignment and dispute fees set by the agent.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Availability" icon="calendar-check">
    Whether the agent is currently accepting new cases.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Agent Validation

Agents are validated at two points:

### At Escrow Creation

* Is this agent registered?
* Is their MAV ≥ escrow amount?
* Are they active and available?

### At Agent Invite

Same checks run again. This prevents:

* Agents unstaking after being selected
* Multiple high-value disputes draining MAV

***

## What If An Agent Misbehaves?

The DAO provides oversight:

| Issue                     | Response                             |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Clearly biased decision   | DAO investigation, possible slashing |
| Accepting bribes          | Heavy slashing, potential ban        |
| Repeatedly slow responses | Reputation damage, reduced selection |
| Abandoning cases          | Timeout mechanism, reputation hit    |

<Warning>
  Agents cannot be punished for making difficult but fair decisions. The DAO only acts on clear misconduct.
</Warning>

***

<Card title="Want to Become an Agent?" icon="gavel" href="/agents/becoming-an-agent">
  Learn how to register →
</Card>