jurisdicción
/xuɾisdiɡˈθjon/feminine
Jurisdiction is translated into Spanish as jurisdicción.
The noun jurisdicción refers to the authority of a sovereign power to govern or legislate. In legal contexts, you can specify the type of authority by using terms like jurisdicción penal (criminal jurisdiction), jurisdicción civil (civil jurisdiction) or jurisdicción administrativa (administrative jurisdiction). When discussing the possession or application of this authority, the verb tener (to have) is used to refer to having jurisdiction, while the verb ejercer (to exercise) is used when discussing the exercise of jurisdiction.
Meaning: the authority of a sovereign power to govern or legislate (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
jurisdicción is a feminine noun. This means that any accompanying adjectives must also be in the feminine form, such as su jurisdicción exclusiva.
How do you pronounce it?
/xuɾisdiɡˈθjon/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking legal systems, jurisdicción is conceptually distinct from competencia. While the first is the general power to judge, the latter refers to the specific legal authority over a particular case based on territory or subject.
- The Spanish word jurisdicción can be used in religious contexts, such as the jurisdicción canónica, to describe the authority of the Catholic Church over its members.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the term jurisdicción can be used colloquially to refer to a person's 'turf' or area of influence in non-legal settings.
Examples in context
- Esto se escapa de mi jurisdicción.This escapes my jurisdiction.This sentence is useful for showing how something can be outside of one's jurisdiction using jurisdicción.Tatoeba #1140391 by marcelostockle, translation #1140401 by marcelostockle
- Nuestra jurisdicción no llega hasta allí.Our jurisdiction doesn't reach there.This sentence illustrates the limits of jurisdiction using jurisdicción.Tatoeba #11689600 by Seael, translation #12243964 by Miktsoanit
- Este caso no es de mi jurisdicción.This case is outside my jurisdiction.This sentence shows how to state that a case does not fall under one's jurisdiction using jurisdicción.Tatoeba #663959 by darinmex, translation #59465 by CM
- El tribunal ejerce jurisdicción sobre el casoThe court exercises jurisdiction over the case
- La agencia tiene jurisdicción en este asuntoThe agency has jurisdiction over this matter
- La jurisdicción del tribunal se extiende a nivel nacional.The jurisdiction of the court extends nationwide.
- Competencia territorialTerritorial jurisdiction
- La policía no tiene jurisdicción en asuntos militaresThe police have no jurisdiction over military matters
- Los jueces ejercen su jurisdicción dentro del marco legal establecido.Judges exercise their jurisdiction within the established legal framework.
Example conversation
A lawyer and a judge discuss a legal boundary.
- MaríaLa jurisdicción de este tribunal es limitada.The jurisdiction of this court is limited.
- Alejandro¿Es este un asunto de su jurisdicción, María?Is this a matter within your jurisdiction, María?
- MaríaNo, Alejandro, no tenemos autoridad aquí.No, Alejandro, we do not have authority here.
- AlejandroEntonces debemos buscar otro juez.Then we must look for another judge.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jurisdiction” translations and entries jurisdicción, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
