Criminal Jurisdiction: Principles and Requisites

A. Criminal Jurisdiction

Criminal jurisdiction is the authority of a court to hear and try a particular offense and impose the punishment prescribed by law.

One. Concept

Elements of Criminal Jurisdiction

One. The nature of the offense and/or the penalty attached thereto; and

Two. Commission of the offense within the territorial jurisdiction of the court.

The absence of either element may be challenged by the accused at any stage of the proceedings or on appeal. A conviction rendered without the required jurisdiction is void.