jurisdiction

ju·ris·dic·tion

noun \ˌju̇r-əs-ˈdik-shən\

Definition of JURISDICTION

1

: the power, right, or authority to interpret and apply the law

2

a : the authority of a sovereign power to govern or legislate b : the power or right to exercise authority : control

3

: the limits or territory within which authority may be exercised

— ju·ris·dic·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— ju·ris·dic·tion·al·ly adverb

Examples of JURISDICTION

1. The court has jurisdiction over most criminal offenses.
2. His attorney claimed the court lacked jurisdiction in this matter.
3. The matter falls outside the jurisdiction of this court.
4. territory under the jurisdiction of the federal government
5. He was arrested in another jurisdiction.

Origin of JURISDICTION

Middle English jurisdiccioun, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French jurisdiction, from Latin jurisdiction-, jurisdictio, from juris + diction-, dictio act of saying — more at diction

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to JURISDICTION

Synonyms: administration, authority, governance, government, rule, regime (also régime), regimen

Related Words: reign; dominion, power, sovereignty (also sovranty), supremacy, sway; command, leadership; direction, management, regulation, superintendence, supervision; autocracy, dictatorship, domination, hegemony, mastery, oppression, subjugation, tyranny

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See Synonym Discussion at power

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

Rhymes with JURISDICTION

benediction, contradiction, crucifixion, dereliction, interdiction, malediction, metafiction, science fiction, valediction