Legal Definitions - jurisdictional plea

A jurisdictional plea is a type of plea that challenges the court's authority to hear a case. It is a legal argument that asserts that the court does not have the power to make a decision in the case because it lacks jurisdiction.

For example, if a defendant is sued in a state court but argues that the case should be heard in a federal court because it involves a federal law, the defendant would file a jurisdictional plea. The plea would ask the court to dismiss the case because the state court does not have jurisdiction over the matter.

In essence, a jurisdictional plea is a way for a defendant to challenge the court's power to hear a case before the case proceeds any further. It is an important tool for protecting a defendant's rights and ensuring that the court follows the proper legal procedures.