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

However, officials say that the federal government cannot just take over the site as the land and museum are under jurisdiction of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

From Salon

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem pointed out that the holy site - over which it has ecclesiastical jurisdiction - had been granted a letter of protection by the Prophet Muhammad himself.

From BBC

The Northwest Wildland Fire Fighting Compact enables its U.S. and Canadian members to share firefighting resources and technology when blazes exceed the capacity of a single jurisdiction.

From Los Angeles Times

Robinson, the MP for East Belfast, said the review "has not challenged the reality of Northern Ireland being subject to laws made in a foreign jurisdiction".

From BBC

But legal experts warn the administration is pushing the limits of existing law, particularly in directing federal authorities to override local jurisdictions that have declared themselves “sanctuary cities.”

From Salon

Related Words

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