Which of the following best describes "jurisdiction"?

The term "jurisdiction" fundamentally refers to the authority of a court or legal body to hear and decide cases. This encompasses various aspects, including the types of cases they can handle and the geographic areas they cover. When a court has jurisdiction over a matter, it means that it has the legal power to issue rulings and enforce laws pertaining to that case.

While the geographical area of a court is an important factor related to jurisdiction, it does not fully capture the essence of what jurisdiction itself entails. Jurisdiction specifically emphasizes the court's authority to adjudicate, while the geographic area simply limits where that authority applies. The power of a jury and the process of selecting jurors pertain to aspects of the trial process and jury duties, rather than the foundational concept of jurisdiction itself.

Therefore, stating that jurisdiction is "the authority to hear a case" correctly encapsulates its legal definition and significance in the judicial system.