1. (n.) The legal power or right of an authority to handle a particular case\; 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. (n.) The authority of a sovereign power to govern or legislate; the right of making or enforcing laws; the power or right of exercising authority.

3. (a.) Sphere of authority; the limits within which any particular power may be exercised, or within which a government or a court has authority.

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