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

Derived Forms

• ˌjurisˈdictionally, adverb
• ˌjurisˈdictive, adjective
• ˌjurisˈdictional, adjective

Other Words From

• juris·diction·al adjective
• juris·dictive adjective
• juris·diction·al·ly adverb
• preju·ris·diction noun
• super·juris·diction 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

Under US federal law, public schools must enrol any student within their respective jurisdictions.

From BBC

Public schools are required under federal law to enroll any student within their jurisdiction, and in California, school officials are not allowed to ask about their immigration status.

From Los Angeles Times

The possibility of increased deportations and workplace raids, however, could put him on a collision course with Democratic-leaning states and jurisdictions that may decide to push back or not co-operate.

From BBC

Gaetz refused to cooperate with the investigation and abruptly resigned from Congress after the announcement of his nomination, ending the committee’s jurisdiction over him — though not the possibility that the report could still become public.

From Los Angeles Times

The committee lost its jurisdiction over Gaetz with his resignation, making an official release of the report unlikely.

From Salon

Related Words

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