View source for Why a house holds authority in a territory

= Why a House Holds Authority in a Territory =

== Principle ==
A house holds authority in a territory because it carries **lawful responsibility** for that place.

Territory is not owned.
It is **held in trust**.

== Basis of Authority ==
A house holds authority in a territory when that authority is established and maintained through [[Adaawk]].

Adaawk record:
* how the authority arose
* why it exists
* what responsibilities accompany it
* what limits apply to it

Authority that cannot be traced through adaawk is incomplete.

== Responsibility Over Control ==
Territorial authority does not grant unrestricted power.

A house holding authority is responsible for:
* protecting the land and its life
* regulating access and use
* preventing harm
* responding to violations according to law

Authority exists only while responsibility is upheld.

== Continuity ==
Authority does not rest in individuals.
It continues through **names**.

When a name is taken:
* the legal person continues
* obligations remain active
* responsibility does not reset

This ensures accountability across generations
(see: [[Names as Legal Continuity]]).

== Trust Relationship ==
A house speaks for its territory on behalf of:
* the people
* future generations
* the wider legal order of the Nation

Authority exists to care for the land, not to possess it
(see: [[Future Generations]]).

== Scope ==
This page records a **foundational principle of law**.

Detailed applications, house-specific adaawk, and case-based interpretations are recorded elsewhere and continue to develop over time.

== Related Pages ==
* [[Adaawk]]
* [[House Adaawk]]
* [[Names as Legal Continuity]]
* [[Inter-House and Inter-Tribal Dispute Law]]
* [[Stewardship and Resource Law]]
* [[Future Generations]]