What is delegated jurisdiction?

• A. It is jurisdiction given by law to others, such as judicial vicars, vicars general
• B. It is jurisdiction bishops hold personally only
• C. It is the same as ordinary jurisdiction
• D. It is not recognized in canon law

Answer: (A)

Delegated jurisdiction is the authority to rule or judge that a higher church authority grants to another person by law, so the delegate can exercise canonical power in the bishop’s name. This allows a bishop to govern or decide cases through trusted officials like a vicar general or a judicial vicar, within defined limits. The delegation is legally sourced, not a personal grant, and the superior retains the power to revoke or modify it. This is why the idea that jurisdiction is given by law to others—such as judicial vicars or vicars general—best captures what delegation means in canon law.