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

Gonzalez says she believes plaintiffs attorneys have taken advantage of her legislation and is looking for someone in Sacramento to pass a new bill that will make it easier for jurisdictions to defend themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the court had "no jurisdiction to try the charge".

From BBC

McGowan said the agency has already started to create six new positions — a figure that still leaves staffing levels behind jurisdictions of similar sizes.

From Los Angeles Times

The consultation also draws on other jurisdictions, including the Scottish system where there is more upfront information and earlier binding contracts.

From BBC

The amendment says: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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