1 The power wielded by a government over its subjects, their property, and the land and natural resources within its boundaries. 2 A court's authority over persons or property brought before or appearing before it. 3 The geographical area within which a government's or a court's power may be applied. ancillary jurisdiction. The authority of a court to decide secondary or subsidiary claims raised by a case properly before it. appellate jurisdiction. An appeals court's power of review of the de...