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jurisdiction

joor-is-DIK-shun /ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən/

nounC1GRETOEFL

formallegal

The official power to make legal decisions and judgments; the extent of this power.

Refers to the authority of a court or other body to hear a case or enforce laws within a specific geographic area or over a particular type of matter.

The story behind the word. The word 'jurisdiction' comes from the Old French 'jurisdiction', which is derived from the Latin 'iurisdictio'. This Latin term is a combination of 'ius' (meaning 'law' or 'right') and 'dictio' (meaning 'a saying' or 'a speaking'), from the verb 'dicere' ('to say'). So, 'jurisdiction' literally means 'a saying of the law' – the authority to speak and apply the law within a given domain.

Word relationships

authority: More general; 'jurisdiction' is a specific type of legal authority over a defined area or matter.
purview: The scope of the influence or concerns of something; similar to jurisdiction but can be less formal.
dominion: Sovereignty or control; 'jurisdiction' is the legal aspect of this control.

Word family

jurisdictional (adjective): relating to jurisdiction

Collocations

legal jurisdiction
within jurisdiction
outside jurisdiction
assert jurisdiction

Example sentences

"The state court ruled that it did not have jurisdiction over the federal tax evasion case." Legal Authority
"The International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity." International Law

Memory hook

JURIS-DICTION: The 'JURY' has the 'DICTION' (saying) of the law. Saying of law

When not to use

Do not use 'jurisdiction' for general influence or authority. It's a precise legal term for official power within defined limits.

Fun facts

The concept of jurisdiction is fundamental to international law, determining which country's laws apply in cross-border disputes.
In federal systems, there are often overlapping jurisdictions between federal, state, and local governments.