What is legal authority to hear and decide case?

Legal authority to hear and decide a case, known as "jurisdiction," refers to the power of a court to adjudicate matters within a certain geographic area or over specific types of cases. This authority is typically defined by statutes or constitutional provisions, determining whether a court can hear a case based on factors such as subject matter, parties involved, and location. Jurisdiction ensures that cases are heard by the appropriate court that has the legal power to make binding decisions. Without proper jurisdiction, any ruling made by a court may be deemed invalid.