What term refers to the authority of a court to hear a case?

• A. Jurisdiction
• B. Legislation
• C. Sovereignty
• D. Precedent

Answer: (A)

Jurisdiction is the authority of a court to hear and decide a case. It sets the limits on which cases a court can handle, based on factors like the type of matter (subject matter), where the case is filed (geographic area), and who is involved (parties). Without jurisdiction, a court cannot proceed, even if all other conditions are met. Legislation refers to written laws created by lawmakers; sovereignty is the supreme power of a state or government; precedent is a prior court decision used to guide future rulings.