The State Department stands "ready to assist incarcerated citizens and their families within the limits of our authority in accordance with international law, " the agency says.

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Lawmakers have eschewed limits on authority out of fear that they would be blamed if another attack occurred.

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While there are, theoretically, some limits on the authority of the other two branches of this supranational institution, discretion about the extent of the tribunal's jurisdiction is exclusively in its hands.

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In Pittsburgh, the cradle of the American energy industry in the 19th century, banned new drilling projects within city limits in 2010, but the state is challenging the authority of cities to issue such bans.

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Under the Geneva Convention of 1949 and the Hague regulations of 1907 the coalition has clear responsibilities and clear limits to its authority.

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"Clearly, Blair's authority in the party, although not smashed, has shown its limits, " Professor John Curtice, of the University of Strathclyde, told Reuters.

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