permissive power
[pər-ˈmi-siv ˈpau̇(-ə)r]
nounpl: permissive powers
poder permissivo
1. A legal authority or right that allows but does not require an action; discretionary power granted by law that may be exercised or not at the holder's discretion
The statute grants the mayor a permissive power to approve or deny the project proposal.
O estatuto concede ao prefeito um poder permissivo para aprovar ou negar a proposta do projeto.
2. In constitutional law, a power that permits a government body to act in a certain way without mandating that action
Congress has permissive power to regulate interstate commerce, but is not obligated to do so in every instance.
O Congresso tem poder permissivo para regular o comércio interestadual, mas não é obrigado a fazer isso em todos os casos.
This is a technical legal term primarily used in constitutional law, administrative law, and jurisprudence. It is more common in formal legal contexts and legislation than in everyday speech. The concept is important in both Brazilian and American legal systems for defining the scope of government authority and distinguishing between what government bodies may do versus what they must do.
Related Idioms & Phrases
grant someone a permissive power
exercise a permissive power
within one's permissive power
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