Simple English definitions for legal terms
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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.
cognizance (kog-ni-zəns), n.
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:
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.