Definition: Jurisdiction A jurisdiction is a territory or region that has legal authority over another. In law, a jurisdiction may be defined as a territorial body having an official and recognized form of government. The term "jurisdiction" can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In some contexts, jurisdiction refers to the ability to act upon decisions made by other countries or authorities that are considered legally binding on another country. This could be for example the power of a foreign state to enforce its laws within a particular territory. In others, jurisdiction may refer to the authority given to a country's government to govern a certain area, such as in the United States or Canada. It is important to note that "jurisdiction" can also mean the process by which a court decides on the rights and obligations of parties involved in a legal dispute. In general, when referring to a jurisdiction, it is often used in legal terms rather than in everyday language, but there are many different types of jurisdictions around the world.