J.C.W. Ex Rel. Webb v. Wyciskalla

Introduction: Concepts of Jurisdiction

MICHAEL A. WOLFF, Judge.

In deciding this case, the task at hand is to bring down to earth and clarify the meaning of the magical word “jurisdiction.” The word has magic because it can make judgments disappear, as in: “The judgment is a nullity because the court lacked jurisdiction.” The word has magic because it makes judges fearful of entering the Land of No Jurisdiction. A lawyer, accordingly, employs the magic word in hopes of curbing the judicial beast from entering the Land of No Jurisdiction, where the defense of the case might be devoured on its…