Legal Definitions - juris

Juris is a Latin term meaning "of law" or "of right." It is frequently used as a prefix or a component within various legal terms to denote a connection to legal principles, authority, or the legal system itself.

• Example 1: Jurisdiction

  A federal court has jurisdiction to hear cases that involve violations of federal laws, such as copyright infringement or interstate commerce disputes.

  This example illustrates "juris" because jurisdiction refers to the legal authority or "right" of a court or other legal body to hear and decide a particular type of case or to exercise power over a specific geographical area, as defined by law.

• Example 2: Jurisprudence

  A university offers a graduate program in jurisprudence, where students delve into the philosophical foundations of law, exploring different theories of justice and legal reasoning.

  Here, "juris" signifies "of law," as jurisprudence is the academic study and theory "of law," examining its nature, sources, and application.

• Example 3: Juristic Person

  When a non-profit organization is formally incorporated, it becomes a juristic person, enabling it to own property, enter into contracts, and be held liable for its actions, separate from its individual members.

  In this context, "juristic" (derived from "juris") means "of law" or "by law." A juristic person is an entity, such as a corporation or an organization, that is recognized "by law" as having its own distinct legal rights and obligations, even though it is not a natural human being.