Legal Definitions - public authority

Definition: Public authority refers to the power or jurisdiction of a government agency or corporation that administers a public enterprise, such as a transit authority. It can also refer to the right or permission to act legally on another's behalf, such as the power delegated by a principal to an agent.

Examples:

• A city's transit authority is responsible for managing public transportation systems, such as buses and trains.
• An agent has the authority to act on behalf of a principal, such as signing a contract or making a purchase.

The examples illustrate how public authority can refer to both a government agency and the legal power given to an agent by a principal. In both cases, there is a level of responsibility and decision-making power granted to the authority figure.