AUTHORITATIVE ORDERS are commands or instructions issued by a person or body in a position of authority. FIATS, DICTA, EDICTS, and DECREES are all terms used to describe such orders. FIATS are authoritative orders issued by a sovereign or other competent authority, while DICTA are authoritative orders issued by a court or judge. EDICTS are authoritative orders issued by a ruler or government, and DECREES are authoritative orders issued by a legislative body.