jurisdiction

[joor-is-dik-shuhn]

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of jurisdiction¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of jurisdiction¹

C13: from Latin jūrisdictiō administration of justice; see _{jus, diction}

Example Sentences

Oil companies could potentially avoid touching the state’s jurisdiction altogether by loading crude onto tankers and shipping it elsewhere.

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Kanu always denied the charges and challenged the court's jurisdiction over him.

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In interviews, agricultural commissioners said the dual regulation system works because crops and growing seasons vary in each county and they can focus on the specific needs in their jurisdictions.

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The law allows convicted defendants to challenge the length of their prison terms if they can demonstrate racial disparities or discriminatory practices in the California jurisdiction where their case was prosecuted.

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They face personal legal exposure, and since U.S. courts lack jurisdiction, there is no recourse if the book refuses a legitimate payout.

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Related Words

• administration 
• arbitration 
• authority 
• command 
• commission 
• control 
• discretion 
• district 
• domination 
• influence 
• power 
• prerogative 
• purview 
• rule 
• scope 
• sovereignty 
• supervision 
• territory 
• zone