<P> Authority ( derived from the Latin word auctoritas ) , as a concept , can be used to mean the right to exercise power given by the State ( in the form of government , judges , police officers , etc . ) , or by academic knowledge of an area ( someone that can be an authority on a subject ) or , in some societies , by higher spiritual powers or deities . </P>
which term is used to identify having official power to act
Authority