1. the official power to make legal decisions and judgments
2. the territory or sphere of activity over which legal authority extends

Examples

• The federal court has jurisdiction over interstate commerce cases.
• Local police departments have jurisdiction within their city limits.
• The case was dismissed because it fell outside the court’s jurisdiction.
• Different jurisdictions have varying laws about taxation.
• The company operates in multiple jurisdictions around the world.
• Maritime disputes often involve questions of which country has jurisdiction.
• The judge ruled that the state court lacked jurisdiction in this matter.