Governmental Functions
/ˌɡʌvərnˈmɛntl ˈfʌŋkʃənz/
Definitions
- (n. pl.) Activities or duties performed by a government or its agents as part of its sovereign role, typically involving public administration, regulation, and enforcement.
The construction of public roads is considered one of the core governmental functions.
- (n. pl.) Functions that, when carried out by private parties, may be subject to public accountability or restrictions as they are traditionally reserved for government.
Private entities performing governmental functions must comply with constitutional constraints.
Forms
- governmental functions
- governmental function
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term typically appears in plural form and refers to inherently governmental activities; distinguishing these from proprietary or private acts is crucial in legal contexts involving liability and sovereign immunity.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.