\Ju`ris*dic"tion\, n. [L. jurisdictio; jus, juris,
right, law + dictio a saying, speaking: cf. OF. jurisdiction,
F. juridiction. See {Just}, a., and {Diction}.]
1. (Law) 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.
2. The authority of a sovereign power to govern or legislate;
   the right of making or enforcing laws; the power or right
   of exercising authority.
         To live exempt From Heaven's high jurisdiction. --
                                               Milton.
         You wrought to be a legate; by which power You
         maim'd the jurisdiction of all bishops. -- Shak.
3. Sphere of authority; the limits within which any
   particular power may be exercised, or within which a
   government or a court has authority.
Note: Jurisdiction, in its most general sense, is the power
      to make, declare, or apply the law. When confined to
      the judiciary department, it is what we denominate the
      judicial power, the right of administering justice
      through the laws, by the means which the laws have
      provided for that purpose. Jurisdiction is limited to
      place or territory, to persons, or to particular
      subjects. --Duponceau.