What aspect does 'lawful authority' NOT cover?

'Lawful authority' primarily refers to the legitimate power exercised by individuals or entities in enforcing laws, conducting investigations, and granting legal powers to officials. Each of these aspects involves the proper scope of legal authority as defined by legislation and regulation.

The enforcement of laws involves actions taken by law enforcement officers and agencies that are granted authority by statutes or regulations, ensuring that laws are followed and maintained. Similarly, conducting lawful investigations pertains to the actions taken by authorities within the boundaries of the law, respecting rights and procedural requirements while gathering evidence.

Granting legal power to officials means that the authority to act within specific legal frameworks is conferred upon designated individuals or organizations, enabling them to perform their duties in accordance with the law.

In contrast, exceeding legal power in enforcement signifies a breach of lawful authority. This means that when an official acts beyond the scope of the powers that have been legally granted, they are operating without lawful authority, which can lead to a violation of rights or other legal infractions. Therefore, this option is accurately identified as the aspect that 'lawful authority' does not cover.