Jurisdiction
/ˌdʒʊrɪsˈdɪkʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) The legal authority granted to a court or other body to hear and decide cases.
The court lacked jurisdiction over the defendant in this matter.
- (n.) The geographic area or subject matter over which such authority extends.
The agency’s jurisdiction covers all environmental regulations within the state.
Forms
- jurisdictions
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Jurisdiction often requires careful distinction between subject matter and territorial limits in legal drafting.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.