Legal Definitions - public authority

A public authority refers to an organization or individual that has been granted legal powers by the government to perform public functions or services. These entities operate on behalf of the public and are typically subject to specific laws and regulations regarding their conduct, accountability, and the exercise of their powers.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: A Local Planning Department

  A city's planning department reviews applications for new building permits and ensures that construction projects comply with local zoning laws and safety codes. When the department approves or denies a permit, it is exercising powers delegated by the municipal government to regulate urban development for the public good.

  This planning department is a public authority because it is an official governmental body empowered to make decisions that directly impact citizens and businesses within its jurisdiction, performing a core public function.

• Example 2: A National Environmental Protection Agency

  A country's environmental protection agency investigates reports of industrial pollution and issues fines to companies that violate environmental regulations. Its mandate is to protect natural resources and public health through enforcement and policy-making.

  This agency acts as a public authority because it is a government-established body with the legal power to enforce laws, impose penalties, and set standards to achieve a public purpose, namely environmental protection.

• Example 3: A Public School Principal

  A principal at a state-funded public high school makes decisions regarding student discipline, curriculum implementation, and school safety protocols. These actions are carried out under the authority granted by the state's education laws and school board policies.

  The principal, in their official capacity, is a public authority because they are an individual exercising governmental powers and responsibilities within a public institution (the school) to provide a public service (education) and maintain order, as authorized by law.