jurisdiction

/ˌdʒʊrɪsˈdɪkʃən/
noun
  1. The official power or authority to make legal decisions and judgments.
    • The federal government claimed jurisdiction in the dispute between the two states.
    • The court has jurisdiction over all criminal cases in this county.
    • The judge ruled that her court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.
  2. The area or territory within which a particular authority or system of laws applies.
    • The company operates in multiple jurisdictions around the world.
    • The new law only applies within the jurisdiction of the European Union.
    • Each state has its own jurisdiction for traffic violations.
  3. The authority or control that someone has over a particular area or activity.
    • The manager's jurisdiction includes hiring and firing decisions.
    • The principal has jurisdiction over all student activities at the school.
    • The committee's jurisdiction was limited to budget matters.