jurisdictional authority

Jurisdictional authority refers to the power of a legal body—like a court or government agency—to make decisions and enforce laws within a specific geographic area or over certain types of cases. For example, a state court has authority over legal matters that occur within that state, while federal courts handle issues that cross state lines or involve federal laws. Understanding jurisdiction is crucial, as it determines where a case can be filed and which laws apply, ensuring that legal matters are addressed by the appropriate governing body.