Authority arises from trust, conduct, and knowledge.
Authority Arises from Trust, Conduct, and Knowledge
Statement
Authority arises from trust, conduct, and knowledge.
Meaning
In Tsm’syen law, authority is not granted by position, title, election, or declaration.
Authority emerges when a person demonstrates:
- Trustworthiness over time
- Lawful conduct in relation to others and the land
- Knowledge of ayaawx and adaawx
These elements must exist together. Absent any one, authority weakens.
Trust
Trust is earned through:
- Consistent lawful behaviour
- Transparency in action
- Respect for limits
- Willingness to be corrected
- Accountability before witnesses
Trust cannot be claimed or demanded. It is recognized by others.
Conduct
Conduct is the visible life of authority.
Authority is demonstrated through:
- How responsibilities are carried
- How power is restrained
- How harm is addressed
- How balance is maintained
- How decisions affect others
Past conduct remains relevant. Authority does not reset with time or position.
Knowledge
Knowledge means:
- Understanding of ayaawx
- Familiarity with relevant adaawx
- Awareness of precedent and consequence
- Ability to explain law clearly and honestly
Knowledge without restraint is dangerous. Restraint without knowledge is insufficient.
What authority is not
Authority does not arise from:
- Titles or offices alone
- Popularity or force
- External recognition
- Wealth or influence
- Political alignment
Where authority relies on these alone, it lacks legitimacy.
Loss and correction of authority
Authority may weaken or be withdrawn when:
- Trust is broken
- Conduct becomes harmful or self-serving
- Knowledge is ignored or misused
- Witnesses withdraw recognition
Correction occurs through lawful process, not silence.
Cross-references
- Elders as Interpreters of Law
- Elders are Carriers of Legal Memory
- Law Is Interpreted Through Ayaawx and Adaawx
- Limits on Authority
- Accountability Before Witnesses
- Balance Across Houses and Clans
- Names as Legal Continuity
- Witnesses and Public Memory
- Restorative Justice Principles
- Competent Jurisdiction