Which of the following best expresses the concept of jurisdiction?

Jurisdiction primarily refers to the legal ability of a court or authority to hear, make legal decisions, and adjudicate specific cases. This concept encompasses both the venue—geographical location—and the subject matter of the cases over which a court has authority. For example, a family court has jurisdiction only over family-related cases, while a criminal court has jurisdiction over criminal matters.

Having the authority to issue rulings, enforcing laws, or enacting legislative changes does not specifically capture the precise function of jurisdiction, which is fundamentally concerned with the court's ability to interpret and apply the law to particular cases. Jurisdiction defines the scope and limits of a court's power and ensures that cases are heard by the correct judicial body. Thus, understanding jurisdiction is critical for determining where legal actions can be appropriately filed and adjudicated.