Public international law and EU-law sets limits to states’ exercise of jurisdiction. However, within these limits states are free to exercise jurisdiction both to adjudicate and to prescribe rules. In Sweden ¬– as in other states – jurisdiction has been less examined in connection to administrative law than to criminal or private law. This leaves the limits of the jurisdiction to be determined by case law. In principle there are differences between jurisdiction to adjudicate and to prescribe. However, in public law they are closely connected. It is therefore acceptable that they sometimes are dealt with together. Further, administrative acts onerous to privates, parallels should be drawn to criteria established in criminal law. For benefits a more open assessment could take place.