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Simple English definitions for legal terms
cognizance
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A quick definition of cognizance:
Term: COGNIZANCE
Definition: Cognizance means that a court has the power to hear and decide cases. It's like a special job that the court has to make sure things are fair and just.
A more thorough explanation:
cognizance (kog-ni-zəns), n.
- A court's right and power to try and to determine cases; JURISDICTION.
When a case is brought before a court, the court must have cognizance over the matter in order to hear and decide the case. For example:
- A state court has cognizance over cases involving state law.
- A federal court has cognizance over cases involving federal law.
- A family court has cognizance over cases involving family matters such as divorce and child custody.
These examples illustrate how cognizance refers to a court's authority to hear and decide cases within its jurisdiction. Just as a police officer can only enforce the law within their jurisdiction, a court can only hear and decide cases within its cognizance.