# jurisdiction

/ˌdʒʊɹəsˈdɪkʃən/ (US) · /dʒˌɔːɹɪsdˈɪkʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jurisdiction
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. legal authority

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

the official power to make legal decisions or to apply the law.

For teachers: the legal power or authority to interpret and apply the law. Often used in the context of a court's right to hear a specific case.

- The local court does not have jurisdiction over crimes committed in another country.
- The high court ruled that it lacked the jurisdiction to hear the appeal, as the matter fell strictly under the authority of the maritime tribunal.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'have', 'exercise', or 'fall under'.

### 2. geographic area

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

an area or territory where a specific set of laws or a specific government has power.

For teachers: the geographical area or territory within which a particular legal authority or government operates.

- The company operates in several different jurisdictions, each with its own tax laws.
- Extradition processes are often complicated by the conflicting legal requirements of the two jurisdictions involved in the case.

Usage: Commonly used as a countable noun when comparing different regions.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.