Word

jurisdiction

noun C1

UK /d͡ʒʊəɹɪsˈdɪkʃən/

US /d͡ʒʊɹɪsˈdɪkʃən/

Meanings

noun

the legal power of a court or authority to make decisions and enforce laws over a place, person, or type of case

jurisdiction: the legal power of a court or authority to make decisions and enforce laws over a place, person, or type of ca…

noun

a specific area or region governed by a particular authority

Definition

Jurisdiction is the legal authority of a court or government body to make decisions in a particular area or over certain people.

Jurisdiction refers to the official power to apply laws, hear cases, and make legal decisions. It can be limited by geography (such as a city, state, or country) or by subject matter (such as family or tax issues). Questions about jurisdiction often arise when an event involves multiple places or authorities. If an institution lacks jurisdiction, its decision may not be legally valid.

Examples

The tribunal dismissed the claim because it lacked jurisdiction over the dispute.
I checked which jurisdiction applied before I submitted my documents to the authorities.
The journalist explained how overlapping jurisdiction can slow an international investigation.
She argued that the matter fell under federal jurisdiction rather than the state court’s authority.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse jurisdiction (legal authority) with location, using it when they simply mean “area” or “region.”