Jurisdictional

/ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃənl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Relating to the official power to make legal decisions and judgments.

The court issued a jurisdictional ruling on whether it had the authority to hear the case.

Pertaining to the limits of authority of a particular court or legal body.

The jurisdictional boundaries of the state courts prevent them from hearing federal cases.

Concerning the extent or range of authority granted to an institution or organization.

The jurisdictional issues raised by the plaintiff complicated the legal proceedings.

Relating to the legal power to enforce laws or make decisions.

Different countries may face jurisdictional challenges when legal issues cross international borders.

From the Latin 'jurisdictio', meaning 'to say the law'.

jurisdictional authority:

The power or right of a judicial body to make decisions.

jurisdictional limits:

The boundaries within which legal authority can be exercised.

jurisdictional challenge:

A formal objection to the jurisdiction of a court.

Jursi

If you're in a legal jam, you might need some jursi advice.

Jurisdictional whip

The lawyers were thrown into a jurisdictional whip after the new laws were introduced.