What defines actual authority in the context of consent?

Actual authority in the context of consent refers to the specific legal capacity of a person to grant permission for entry or other actions based on clear and demonstrable rights. In this case, a person living in the home either has shared access or possesses a written contract that explicitly empowers them to consent. This recognition of authority is rooted in the understanding that individuals who occupy a space together, or who have formal agreements, are typically considered to have the power to make decisions related to that space.

This option illustrates the idea that actual authority is not merely about claiming power, but having it grounded in either the physical presence within the premises or through documented agreements that delineate the terms of access and consent. The empowerment comes from a mutual understanding or a recognized legal framework that conveys that the person can indeed consent to actions involving the property or space in question.