definition given in the Dictionary of Words and Phrases Legally Defined is appropriate in the present circumstances where it is defined as: “The authority which a Court has to define matters that are litigated before it or take cognizance of matters presented in a formal way for its decision. The limits of this authority are inspired by statute, charter or commission under which the Court is constituted, and may be extended or restricted by like means”. 26. The jurisdiction conferred on this Court following the above definition is to be found in Article 23(1) of the Treaty which provides as follows: “The Court shall be a judicial body which shall ensure the adherence to the Law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with this Treaty”. 27. A closely related but distinct provision is Article 27(1) of the Treaty which states that: “The Court shall initially have jurisdiction over the interpretation and application of this Treaty: provided that the Court’s jurisdiction to interpret under this paragraph shall not include the application of any such interpretation to jurisdiction conferred by the Treaty on organs of Partner States”. 28. The Treaty, and of importance in the present Reference, also provides in Article 30 that: “1.Subject to the provisions of Article 27 of this Treaty, any person who is resident in a Partner State may refer for determination by the Court, the legality of any Act, regulation, directive, decision or action of a Partner State or an institution of the Community on the grounds that such Act, 17 | P a g e