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

Removing it from the water supply would also be out of his jurisdiction, because fluoride levels are controlled by states.

From BBC

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, still reeling from the electoral rebuke of her right-wing alliance in Sardinia's elections last spring, immediately announced her government’s intention to challenge the region’s jurisdiction in Italy's Constitutional Court.

From Salon

His departure from Congress means he is no longer under congressional jurisdiction.

From BBC

The warrants, for alleged criminal responsibility for acts including murder, persecution and starvation as a weapon of war, prompted fury in Israel, which like the United States does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction.

From Los Angeles Times

A number of important countries are not under the jurisdiction of the ICC.

From BBC

Related Words

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