"Rightful authority" refers to the legitimate or proper power an individual or organization has to make decisions or control a situation. It means having the proper authorization or title to hold a position of influence or control. Full definition
Prepare agreements, verify content for accuracy and get the papers signed and stamped by rightful authorities. (bestsampleresume.com)
Such a style is more appropriate in an emergency, when a project is considerably behind schedule, when new employees are being acclimated to a new position or when rightful authority is being directly challenged. (remonline.com)
Witness such jargon as «gospel obedience to rightful authority,» «loyalty to the larger tradition,» «a sense of universalism in the church»; or, to justify the other side of the issue, «a sense of the local tradition,» «respecting the uniqueness of the local church,» «maintaining our individual community charism.» (religion-online.org)