What is the effect of prosecuting a crime in the wrong jurisdiction?

Prosecuting a crime in the wrong jurisdiction can lead to the dismissal of the charges. Jurisdiction is critical in criminal law, as it determines which court has the authority to hear a case based on the location of the crime or the residence of the individuals involved. If a prosecution occurs in a jurisdiction that does not have the legal authority to adjudicate the case—whether because the crime occurred outside of that area or other jurisdictional limits were not met—the court may dismiss the charges entirely. This dismissal occurs because it is not legally competent to hear and decide on the case, thus invalidating any legal proceedings that take place within that jurisdiction. Legal proceedings must occur in the appropriate jurisdiction for justice to be served properly and efficiently, upholding the rights of both the prosecution and the defense.