Which term describes the legal authority of a court to hear a case?

The term that describes the legal authority of a court to hear a case is jurisdiction. Jurisdiction is critical because it defines the scope within which a court can exercise its powers and make legal decisions. This authority can be categorized into different types, such as personal jurisdiction, where a court has power over the persons involved in the case, and subject matter jurisdiction, which refers to the court's authority over the type of case being brought before it.

Understanding jurisdiction is essential for determining whether a case can be properly brought in a particular court, as a court without appropriate jurisdiction cannot render valid judgments. This concept emphasizes the importance of each court's specific boundaries and the legal frameworks that dictate its operations.

The other terms listed do not pertain directly to a court's authority to hear a case. Litigation refers to the process of taking legal action, arbitration is a form of resolving disputes outside of court, and appeal involves the process of seeking a higher court's review of a lower court's decision. These concepts relate to the broader legal landscape but do not define the court's authority to hear cases.