Jurisdiction

Definition

The official power to make legal decisions and judgments.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌdʒʊrɪsˈdɪkʃən/
• Respelling: joore-iss-DIK-shun (with "joore" as in "sure," "iss" as in "miss," "DIK" as in "sick," and "shun" as in "nation")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən/
• Respelling: joo-uh-riss-DIK-shun (with "joo" as in "zoo," "uh" as in "sofa," "riss" as in "miss," "DIK" as in "sick," and "shun" as in "nation")

In both dialects, "jurisdiction" places the primary stress on the third syllable, "DIK." The American pronunciation has a pronounced "joore" sound, while the British pronunciation has a more distinct "joo-uh" sound in the middle.

Etymology

Originates from the Latin "juris" meaning "of law" and "dictio" meaning "a saying or declaration".

Derivatives

• Jurisdictional (adjective)
• Jurisdictionally (adverb)
• Extra-jurisdictional (adjective)
• Intra-jurisdictional (adjective)
• Jurisdictive (adjective)

Synonyms

• Authority
• Command
• Control

Antonyms

• Impotence
• Powerlessness
• Subjection

Usage

Jurisdiction is commonly used in legal contexts to describe the scope of authority held by courts and law enforcement agencies. It is also relevant in administrative and governmental discussions regarding the reach of regulatory powers.

Related Terms

• Territoriality
• Sovereignty
• Dominion
• Rule
• Governance

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Jurisdiction (Noun): The official power to make legal decisions and judgments.
  • Example: "The court has jurisdiction over all criminal cases in the county."

• Jurisdiction (Noun): The territory or sphere of activity over which the legal authority of a court or other institution extends.
  • Example: "The matter falls outside the jurisdiction of this regulatory body."

• Jurisdiction (Noun, Legal): The extent or range of judicial, law enforcement, or other authority.
  • Example: "They challenged the jurisdiction of the federal courts in this matter."