What is the term for the power of authority that a court has to hear cases?

The term that describes the power or authority of a court to hear and make judgments on cases is known as "jurisdiction." Jurisdiction is a crucial concept in the legal system, as it determines the boundaries within which a court may operate and the types of cases it may decide.

Jurisdiction can vary based on factors such as geographic location, the subject matter of the case, and the parties involved. A court needs to have proper jurisdiction to ensure that any ruling or decision it makes is valid and enforceable. This aspect is fundamental in legal proceedings because cases can be dismissed if they are brought before a court that lacks jurisdiction over the matter or the parties.

The other terms, while related to the legal process, do not specifically denote the authority of a court to hear cases. For example, litigation refers to the process of taking legal action or the conduct of a lawsuit, while an appeal is a request for a higher court to review and change the outcome of a case decided by a lower court. A verdict is the decision reached by a jury or judge regarding the outcome of a trial, which comes after the court has exercised its jurisdiction.