Legal problems of defining public authority

Background. The relevance of the topic is determined by its scientific, theoretical and practi-cal significance. In scientific and theoretical terms, relevance is determined by the inherent novelty of this institution of constitutional law, which requires scientific understanding and application in the prac-tical activities of public authorities. In practical terms, the study of this problem will make it possible to more clearly define the content, goals and objectives of public authorities in the Russian Federation. The purpose of the article is to attempt to consider controversial issues of public authority in the Russian Federation. Materials and methods. The article uses a wide range of modern scientific literature and methods of theoretical and legal science in terms of the content, signs and forms of public authority. As research methods, logical, historical, comparative legal methods, a method of analysis and synthesis were used. Results. The article substantiates the author's position on the controversial issues of public authority, defines its characteristic features and forms. Conclusions. It was concluded that the concept and content of signs of public authority are debatable. Despite the introduction of this legal category in the wording of the legal norms of domestic law, the legislator did not consolidate the legal definition of the concept of public authority. The definition is given, the essence and nature of public authority are characterized, its purpose and functions are shown. Signs of public authority are considered. The forms of exercising public authority have been investigated.