jurisdiction

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ju·ris·dic·tion / ˌjoŏrisˈdikshən/ • n. the official power to make legal decisions and judgments: federal courts had no jurisdiction over the case the District of Columbia was placed under the jurisdiction of Congress. ∎  the extent of this power: the claim will be within the jurisdiction of the industrial tribunal. ∎  a system of law courts; a judicature: in some jurisdictions there is a mandatory death sentence for murder. ∎  the territory or sphere of activity over which the legal authority of a court or other institution extends: several different tax jurisdictions.DERIVATIVES: ju·ris·dic·tion·al adj.

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