jurisdiction

n. 1 (often foll. By over, of) administration of justice. 2 a legal or other authority. B extent of this; territory it extends over.  jurisdictional adj.

a. The legal power, right, or authority of a particular court to hear and determine causes, to try criminals, or to execute justice; judicial authority over a cause or class of causes; as, certain suits or actions, or the cognizance of certain crimes, are within the jurisdiction of a particular court, that is, within the limits of its authority or commission.