1. What is criminal Jurisdiction?

Criminal jurisdiction is the authority to hear and try a particular offense and impose the
punishment for it (Antiporda, Jr. v. Garchitorena, 321 SCRA 551).

2. Is Jurisdiction the same as venue?

No. Jurisdiction is not the same as venue. While Jurisdiction is the authority of the court to try
and hear cases an impose sanctions thereon, venue refers to the place or the locality where the
suit may be had.

3. How does the court acquire jurisdiction over the offense? Over the person of the accused?

Jurisdiction over the offense is determined or acquired by the evaluation of the allegations in
the complaint or information. The purpose of the said examination is to ascertain whether or
not the facts set out therein and the punishment imposable on such acts fall within the
jurisdiction of the court.

Jurisdiction of over the person of the accused may be acquired in two ways: (1) by arrest, the
purpose of which is to bring the accused before the court, (2) By voluntary surrender wherein
the accused voluntarily submits himself to the jurisdiction of the court. The mere filing of the
bail does not amount to voluntary submission, however, the filing of any other motion and
documents amounts to voluntary submission to court jurisdiction.

4. What disputes are not subject to barangay reconciliation?

a. Disputes involving parties who reside in the barangays of the different cities or
municipalities, except when the barangays adjoined each other.

Parties may also directly go to court in the following cases:

b. When the accused is under detention

c. Where a person who has otherwise been deprived of personal liberty calling for habeas
corpus proceedings.
 d. Actions coupled with provisional remedies such preliminary injunction, attachment, delivery
of personal property and support pendente life.
e. When the action is otherwise barred by the Statute of limitations.

5. What is preliminary investigation? When it is required?

Preliminary investigation is an inquiry aimed at determining whether:
a. A crime is committed;
b. The person complained is probably guilty thereof
c. And hence, must be held for trial.
- It is a method of finding a probable cause to charge the respondent in court.
- It is required when the penalty imposable of the acts/crime complained for is at least 4
years, (2) months and 1 day.

6. What is a complaint? What is information?

A complaint is a sworn written statement charging a person with an offense, subscribed by the
offended party, any peace officer or other public officer charged with the enforcement of the
law violated.

An information is an accusation is writing charging a person with an offense subscribed by the

prosecutor and filed with the court.