Which statement best defines jurisdiction?

• A. Jurisdiction refers to the authority to hear a case
• B. Jurisdiction refers to the court's physical building
• C. Jurisdiction refers to the fees charged by the court
• D. Jurisdiction refers to the jury composition

Answer: (C)

Jurisdiction means the court has the legal power to hear and decide a case. This power comes from law and can be limited by what kind of case it is (subject matter jurisdiction), who is involved (personal jurisdiction over a defendant or property), and where the case is located (territorial or geographic jurisdiction). It is not about the courthouse building, the fees charged, or the makeup of the jury. For example, different courts handle different types of cases in Kentucky (felonies in higher courts, misdemeanors in lower courts), and a court must have both subject matter and personal jurisdiction to render a binding judgment. If a court lacks jurisdiction, its decision would not be valid.