Legal Definitions - public power

Definition: Public power refers to the legal right or authorization to act or not act, which is vested in a person or organization as an agent or instrument of the functions of the state. Public powers include various forms of legislative, judicial, and executive authority.

Examples: Examples of public power include:

• The authority of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to enact laws and take other constitutionally permitted actions.
• The power of an administrative agency to adjudicate the rights of those who appear before it.
• The power of an administrative agency to engage in rulemaking.

These examples illustrate how public power is vested in different branches of government and administrative agencies to carry out their functions and responsibilities.