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Synonyms

jurisdiction

American  
[joor-is-dik-shuhn] / ˌdʒʊər ɪsˈdɪk ʃən /

noun

  1. the right, power, or authority to administer justice by hearing and determining controversies.

  2. power; authority; control.

    He has jurisdiction over all American soldiers in the area.

  3. the extent or range of judicial, law enforcement, or other authority.

    This case comes under the jurisdiction of the local police.

  4. the territory over which authority is exercised.

    All islands to the northwest are his jurisdiction.


jurisdiction British  
/ ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən /

noun

  1. the right or power to administer justice and to apply laws

  2. the exercise or extent of such right or power

  3. power or authority in general

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • jurisdictional adjective
  • jurisdictionally adverb
  • jurisdictive adjective
  • prejurisdiction noun
  • superjurisdiction noun

Etymology

Origin of jurisdiction

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin jūris dictiōn-, stem of jūris dictiō, literally, “a saying of law,” from jūris, genitive of jūs “law, right” ( jus 1 ( def. ) ) + dictiō “rhetorical delivery, a saying” ( diction ); replacing Middle English jurediccioun, from Old French juredicion, from Latin, as above

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

San Bernardino County sheriff’s officials told The Times in a statement that they were aware of thefts using a white tow truck in their jurisdiction and confirmed reports of the crime in neighboring counties.

From Los Angeles Times

In October the Helsinki District Court dismissed the case, citing Finland’s treaty obligations and finding a lack of jurisdiction.

From The Wall Street Journal

But if the trader was a foreigner who placed the trades abroad, U.S. authorities might not have a case because of a lack of jurisdiction, he added.

From The Wall Street Journal

Noriega also argued his forcible military abduction violated international law and the Panamanian government’s sovereignty, thereby depriving courts of jurisdiction.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lammy praised magistrates as "everyday heroes" who hear thousands of cases across every jurisdiction.

From BBC