Jurisdiction

What jurisdiction means

In practice, you will see jurisdiction in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.

Where jurisdiction comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Subject-Matter Jurisdiction (Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(1)): a motion arguing the court has no power to hear this type of case.
• Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Personal Jurisdiction (Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(2)): a motion arguing the court has no authority over the defendant.

How to research the term

First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses jurisdiction in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.

You can read the official rule text online for free.

Related legal terms

• Judicial misconduct complaint: a written complaint that a federal judge "has engaged in conduct prejudicial to the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts," or cannot perform the duties of office because of a mental or physical disability.
• Judicial notice: a court's acceptance of a fact as true without formal proof because it is not subject to reasonable dispute — it is generally known within the trial court's territorial jurisdiction, or can be accurately and readily determined from sources whose accuracy cannot reasonably be questioned (Fed. R. Evid. 201(b)).
• Judiciary: the branch of government made up of the courts and judges. Article III of the U.S. Constitution places the judicial power of the United States in one Supreme Court and in the lower courts Congress creates. Each state also has its own judiciary.
• Juris: a Latin word meaning of law or of right. It appears in legal phrases such as sui juris (of one's own right, legally able to act for oneself), Juris Doctor (the law degree) and jurisdiction.

Why precise terms matter

Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.