Behörde#

Public Authority, Public authorities are offices or agencies empowered to issue unilaterally binding legal instruments (especially on the basis of laws) and orders, and, if necessary, to execute them by means of coercion. A public authority can consist of a single person (e.g. Federal Minister, Landeshauptmann, District Commissioner) or of a body of people (e.g. Federal Government, Provincial Government). Public authorities are supported by offices or agencies (e.g. Federal Ministry, Office of the Provincial Government). In terms of organisation, there is a distinction between administrative and court authorities ( Public Authorities, Structure of ).