Scope note

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This class comprises the activities involved in the exercise of power by a group or individual over some other persons and potentially some place. The exercise of authority is the active assertion of an individual or group's power over the related persons and/or place through physical and/or symbolic acts which are meant to and actually do maintain the authority of the individual or group exercising that power.

An instance of exercise of authority comes into existence through its assertion on the part of that power, which may bring about the authority of the individual or group asserting in question (e.g.: a declaration of authority by a party over some group or territory) or may represent a manifestation of the socially agreed upon application of the authority of an individual or group and their assumption of that authority (e.g.: appointment).

Instances of exercise of authority may cease to exist either through a counter action on the part of another (e.g.: seizing control of a ship), or through the socially agreed upon transfer of power (e.g.: end of term or removal from office). Moreover, the death of the individual or dissolution of the group exercising the authority in question may also brings about the end of existence of the exercise of authority.

Language

en