Jurisdiction
As a Noun
- The official power or authority to make legal decisions and judgments.
- The area or scope within which such authority is exercised, often referring to the geographic region or type of case.
- The legal authority of a court or government agency to enforce laws and decisions in a specific area or over certain matters.
Word History
The word jurisdiction comes from the Latin jurisdictio, derived from juris (law) and dictio (saying or declaring). It refers to the act of declaring or administering law, and it has been in use since the Middle Ages to describe the power to adjudicate or make legal rulings.
Examples
- The court has jurisdiction over cases involving criminal law in this region.
- The police officer exercised his jurisdiction within the city limits.
- The issue of land ownership fell under federal jurisdiction.
Synonyms
Authority, control, power, dominion, rule
Related Words
Law, governance, court, territory
Antonyms
Powerlessness, impotence, limitation, subjugation
