Jurisdictional

/ˌdʒʊrɪsˈdɪkʃənəl/ adjective

Definition

relating to the power or right of a court or authority to make decisions and enforce laws in a particular area.

Etymology

From Latin iurisdictio (from iurisdictus, past participle of iurisdictere: to pronounce the law), combining ius (right/law) and dicere (to speak).

Kelly Says

When two countries argue over 'jurisdictional' boundaries, they're literally arguing about whose 'right to speak' about that place is—the Latin root dicere (to speak) reminds us that law is ultimately about who gets authority to make decisions.

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