jurisdiction

Where does the word "jurisdiction" come from? It comes from Latin iurisdictio, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

Jurisdiction’s story begins in Latin: iurisdictio meant “the administration of law.” Literally the speaking of law, from ius (law) and dicere (to say). It reached English by 1300s as jurisdiction. Settled as the English word for the authority to apply the law. Today, jurisdiction means the official power to make legal decisions and judgments within a defined area.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient iurisdictio "the administration of law", literally the speaking of law, from ius (law) and dicere (to say).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1300s jurisdiction "the official authority to apply the law", settled as the English word for the authority to apply the law.