Jogkör

Jogkör is a Hungarian legal term describing the scope of authority granted to a person, a body, or an institution to decide, adjudicate, or enforce rules within the framework of the law. It defines the boundaries within which decisions and legal effects may be produced.

The concept covers several dimensions. Territorial jogkör refers to the geographic area in which an actor has authority, such as a regional court’s jurisdiction over matters within its district. Subject-matter jogkör concerns the kinds of cases or powers that may be addressed, for example civil, criminal, or administrative matters. Personal jogkör relates to which persons or offices are authorized to act or decide under the law.

In practice, jogkör helps determine which court or administrative body is competent to hear a case, which laws apply, and what remedies or sanctions may be imposed. It arises from constitutional provisions, statutory rules, and administrative regulations. Disputes about jogkör are typically resolved by higher courts or relevant supervisory bodies when competences overlap or when an actor acts beyond its authorized scope.

Common examples include the territorial jogkör of a county court within its county, the subject-matter jogkör of a municipal authority to issue building permits, and the personal jogkör of a judge to decide cases within their court. In international settings, jogkör can influence questions of jurisdiction in cross-border matters, depending on treaties and national law.

The term is closely related to hatáskör (competence). While often used interchangeably in everyday language, jogkör tends to emphasize the scope and boundaries of authority, whereas hatáskör stresses the power to act.