The geographic area or type of case a court has authority to hear and decide a case on. For example, a bankruptcy case can only be heard in federal bankruptcy court. If a case meets certain criteria, then it can be heard in both state and federal courts. The party initiating the action typically chooses the jurisdiction, but a defendant can seek to change the jurisdiction when they can show the new jurisdiction is better suited to hear the case.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
jurisdiction (noun)1.
the power, right, or authority to interpret and apply the law
2.
a) the authority of a sovereign power to govern or legislate
b) the power or right to exercise authority - control
3.
the limits or territory within which authority may be exercised power
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
jurisdiction (noun)lawful control over the affairs of a political unit (as a nation)
SYNONYMS:
administration, authority, governance, government, jurisdiction, regime ( régime), regimenRELATED WORDS:
reign; dominion, power, sovereignty ( sovranty), supremacy, sway; command, leadership; direction, management, regulation, superintendence, supervision; autocracy, dictatorship, domination, hegemony, mastery, oppression, subjugation, tyranny