Definition of jurisdiction
1
: the power, right, or authority to interpret and apply the law
a matter that falls within the court's jurisdiction
2a
: 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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The first known use of jurisdiction was in the 14th century
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