jurisdiction
n. C / Un. the official power to make legal decisions and judgments. It also refers to the specific area or country where a certain set of laws and government rules apply.
n. the official power to make legal decisions and judgments; the extent or range of judicial or administrative authority. Often refers to the geographic area over which such authority extends.
The local police have no jurisdiction in this neighboring city.
The case was dismissed because the crime occurred outside the court's territorial jurisdiction.
Determining which international body holds jurisdiction over maritime disputes remains a complex challenge for legal scholars and diplomats alike.
From Latin iūrisdictiō.
Uncountable when referring to the abstract power of authority; countable when referring to specific geographic or legal territories.