Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What is the jurisdiction of corporate authority for a city or town?

1. 1 mile

2. 300 yards

3. 5 miles

4. 10 miles

The correct answer is: 1 mile

The jurisdiction of corporate authority for a city or town typically extends to a distance of 1 mile beyond the corporate limits of the city or town. This means that the city or town has the legal authority to enforce laws and regulations, provide services, and administer governance within this 1-mile radius surrounding its boundaries. This is a common provision found in many local government laws, enabling municipalities to manage and control their immediate surroundings effectively. Understanding this jurisdiction is crucial for law enforcement and city officials, as it outlines their operational boundaries and helps delineate areas where local ordinances and regulations apply. Other distances mentioned, such as 300 yards, 5 miles, and 10 miles, do not generally represent the standard jurisdictional reach of municipal corporate authority. Though specific situations may arise that allow for different functional areas, the 1-mile rule is the most widely recognized standard.