In public law. One of the highest functionaries in the organization of civil government, standing next to the sovereign or executive head, acting as his immediate auxiliary, and being generally charged with the administration of one of the great bureaus or departments of the executive branch of government. Otherwise called a “cabinet minister,” “secretary of state,” or “secretary of a department” In international law. An officer appointed by the government of one nation as a mediator or arbitrator between two other nations who are engaged in a controversy, MINISTER 781