On this page, you will find a list of legal words, terms and phrases that begin with the letter “J.” Each term has a short definition, and some of them have a link for a more detailed description. Just scroll down the page to find the word or term that you are looking for.

If you want to look up another term, return to the Lexicon page.

Jurisdiction – Jurisdiction means the power to hear and determine a case. The power to hear the case comes from constitutions, statutes and other laws, that assign power over specific types of cases to specific courts. This power is called subject matter jurisdiction. In order to exercise that power, the affected parties must be given notice, and an opportunity to be heard. This is called personal jurisdiction. A court must have both subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction in order to enter a valid judgment.