What term describes having equal authority or jurisdiction, often related to legal matters?

The term that describes having equal authority or jurisdiction, particularly in legal contexts, is concurrent. In legal terminology, concurrent jurisdiction refers to situations where two or more courts have the authority to hear the same case or where two laws may apply to the same situation simultaneously. This concept is important in understanding how different levels of courts, such as state and federal, might have overlapping jurisdiction regarding specific legal matters or cases.

While the other terms can appear similar, they do not carry the same specific meaning in legal contexts. Simultaneous typically refers to events occurring at the same time but does not convey any notion of overlapping authority. Mutual indicates a shared relationship or agreement but lacks the legal authority aspect that concurrent directly addresses. Combined suggests a merging or joining of resources or entities rather than the specific simultaneous authority inherent in concurrent jurisdiction. Therefore, concurrent is the most accurate term for describing equal authority or jurisdiction.