Adjudicature

/əˈdʒuːdɪkətʃər/ noun

Definition

The authority, power, or system by which courts or judges make official decisions; the administration of justice.

Etymology

From Latin 'adjudicatura,' combining adjudicate with -ure (a suffix creating nouns about status or function). This term refers to the entire system and power of judicial decision-making.

Kelly Says

While 'jurisdiction' tells you WHERE a court has power, 'adjudicature' describes the POWER ITSELF to judge and decide cases. It's an old-fashioned word that captures the authority and responsibility of the judicial system.

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