COGNIZANCE

cognizance (kog-ni-z<<schwa>>ns), n.1. A court’s right and power to try and to determine cases; JURISDICTION. [Cases: Courts  2. C.J.S. Courts § 16–17.] 2. The taking of judicial or authoritative notice. [Cases: Evidence  1. C.J.S. Evidence §§ 8–11, 106.] 3. Acknowledgment or admission of an alleged fact; esp. (hist.), acknowledgment of a fine. See FINE(1); FINE SUR COGNIZANCE DE DROIT. 4.Common-law pleading. In a replevin action, a plea by the defendant that the goods are held in bailment for another. Cf. AVOWRY. [Cases: Replevin  64.] [Blacks Law 8th]