How to Sign "Jurisdiction"
To sign "jurisdiction," you will combine the signs for "LAW" and "AREA." First, hold your non-dominant hand flat with the palm facing sideways. Form an "L" shape with your dominant hand, touching the side of your index finger to the top of your non-dominant palm, then tapping it again near the bottom. Next, for "AREA," hold both hands flat in front of you with palms facing down and fingers slightly curved. Move both hands outward and around in a horizontal circle, as if outlining a space.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a literal combination of the concepts it represents. The first part is the standard sign for "LAW," showing a rule being set down on paper (represented by the flat hand). The second part is the sign for "AREA" or "REGION," outlining a physical or conceptual space. Together, they illustrate a specific domain of legal authority.
Signing Tips
When signing the "LAW" portion, make sure the movement of your dominant "L" hand is clear and deliberate against your non-dominant palm. For the "AREA" portion, keep your movements smooth and horizontal, imagining you are tracing the boundaries of a specific region on a table.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is rushing the transition between the two parts of the sign. Beginners might blend the "LAW" and "AREA" signs too closely, making it look messy. Ensure you complete the two distinct taps for "LAW" before moving both hands into the horizontal circular motion for "AREA."
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Jurisdiction" in a Sentence
1That case is out of our jurisdiction.
Point to the imaginary case, sign "OUT," and then sign "JURISDICTION" (LAW + AREA) to explain that the legal authority doesn't apply here.
2The police have jurisdiction in this city.
Sign "POLICE," then "HAVE," followed by "JURISDICTION" (LAW + AREA), and finish with "THIS CITY" to establish their area of authority.
3Who has jurisdiction over this land?
Sign "THIS LAND," then "JURISDICTION" (LAW + AREA), and finish with the "WHO" sign while furrowing your eyebrows to ask the question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign both parts to mean jurisdiction?
Yes, in this context, "jurisdiction" is a compound sign. Signing just "LAW" or just "AREA" would change the meaning entirely. You need both to convey the idea of a "legal area."
Can I use this sign for non-legal situations, like a manager's jurisdiction?
While this sign specifically uses the "LAW" handshape, it is often used metaphorically in ASL to mean any official area of authority. However, for a manager, you might also use signs like "CONTROL AREA" or "RESPONSIBILITY."
Which hand should be the 'L' shape in the first part of the sign?
Your dominant hand should form the "L" shape and do the tapping, while your non-dominant hand acts as the flat "paper" or base.
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