Authority as delegated power: interpret scope and limits by statutory context and purpose for lawful exercise. The term authority denotes power or permission to act-either original or delegated-to affect legal relations, enforce laws or perform public functions. Definitions emphasize forms of delegation (express, implied, apparent), modes of conferment (statute, commission, writing) and functional effects (control, jurisdiction). Interpretation should be guided by the statutory context and purpose, ensuring authority authorises only lawful acts and reflecting whether power is general or limited.