Jurisdiction: meaning, definitions and examples
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jurisdiction
[ ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən ]
legal system
The official power to make legal decisions and judgements. Jurisdiction can refer to the authority of a court or other legal body to hear and decide a case, or to the geographical area within which a court or other legal body has the right and power to operate.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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jurisdiction |
Use when referring to the legal power or right a particular court or law enforcement body has over a specific area or issue.
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authority |
Use to describe the legitimate or official power to make decisions, give orders, and enforce rules or laws.
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control |
Use when emphasizing the management, direction, or command over something or someone, often in daily, practical situations.
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power |
Use to indicate strength, influence, or the ability to act in a particular way. This word can have both neutral and negative connotations depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over cases involving federal law.
- The local court only has jurisdiction within the county boundaries.
government
The territory or sphere of activity over which the legal, executive, or legislative authority of a government extends.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
jurisdiction |
Typically used in legal and governmental contexts to refer to the official power to make legal decisions and judgments.
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territory |
Generally used to describe geographic areas that are under the control of a particular government, group, or individual; sometimes used in a metaphorical sense to describe areas of expertise or interest.
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domain |
Used to refer to an area of knowledge, activity, or interest; can also refer to internet domains.
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realm |
Often used in a more abstract or metaphorical sense, referring to a field or area of interest or activity; can also mean a kingdom in historical or fantasy contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The federal government has jurisdiction over matters of national security.
- The city council's jurisdiction includes zoning regulations.
Translations
Translations of the word "jurisdiction" in other languages:
🇵🇹 jurisdição
🇮🇳 अधिकार क्षेत्र
🇩🇪 Gerichtsbarkeit
🇮🇩 yurisdiksi
🇺🇦 юрисдикція
🇵🇱 jurysdykcja
🇯🇵 管轄権 (かんかつけん)
🇫🇷 juridiction
🇪🇸 jurisdicción
🇹🇷 yargı yetkisi
🇰🇷 관할권 (관할)
🇸🇦 ولاية قضائية
🇨🇿 jurisdikce
🇸🇰 jurisdikcia
🇨🇳 管辖权 (guǎnxiá quán)
🇸🇮 jurisdikcija
🇮🇸 lögsaga
🇰🇿 юрисдикция
🇬🇪 იურისდიქცია (iurisdiqcia)
🇦🇿 jurisdiksiya
🇲🇽 jurisdicción
Etymology
The word 'jurisdiction' comes from the Latin term 'jurisdictio', which combines 'jus' (law) and 'dictio' (declaration). Originally, in Roman law, it referred to the declaration of the law by a judge. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the official power and authority to apply the law within a specific area or domain. The concept of jurisdiction is fundamental to legal systems around the world, establishing the boundaries within which legal decisions are valid and enforceable.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #1,290, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.
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- 1287 determination
- 1288 accounts
- 1289 combination
- 1290 jurisdiction
- 1291 agricultural
- 1292 investigation
- 1293 someone
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