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jurisdiction

joor-is-DIK-shun ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən

nounC1GRESATTOEFL

formallegal

The official power to make legal decisions and judgments; the territory over which such power extends.

Refers strictly to bounded legal authority within designated geographic or subject-matter limits.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'jurisdictio', combining 'jus' (law) and 'dicere' (to speak). Literally, 'jurisdiction' is the act of speaking or declaring the law. It moved into Anglo-Norman French before becoming standard in English legal tradition.

Word relationships

authority: Authority is the general right to command; jurisdiction is legal authority bounded by geographical or formal limits.
command: Command refers to military or personal directive control; jurisdiction refers to legal governance.

powerlessness: Lack of official legal authority or ability to act.

Commonly confused with

sovereignty: Sovereignty is supreme political origin of power; jurisdiction is the specific scope where legal rules apply.

Word family

jurisdictional (adjective): Relating to official legal authority.

Collocations

territorial jurisdiction
legal jurisdiction
fall under jurisdiction
exercise jurisdiction

Example sentences

"The international court declared that the dispute fell outside its legal jurisdiction." International Law
"Federal agencies exercise jurisdiction over interstate commerce and maritime security." Federal Law

Memory hook

JURIS (law) + DICTION (speech) = Speaking the law. Jurisdiction = Legal speaking rights.

When not to use

Do not use to describe general influence or uncodified, informal power.

Fun facts

Extraterritorial jurisdiction allows a state to prosecute certain offenses committed outside its geographic borders.