Jurisdiction in Law

What is the primary function of a court's original jurisdiction?

Which court has appellate jurisdiction over lower courts in the United States?

What is an example of concurrent jurisdiction?

What is the type of jurisdiction that refers to the power of federal courts to hear certain types of cases?

Which court has original jurisdiction in certain cases, such as suits between states over territorial or water rights disputes?

What is the purpose of appellate jurisdiction?

What is an example of a type of case that a federal court has exclusive jurisdiction over?

What is the term for bringing a case to a court that is presumed to rule in one's favor?

Which court can grant a certificate to invoke the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in India?

What is the term for the power of a court to hear and decide a case?

Types of Jurisdiction

Original Jurisdiction

The power of a court to hear a case for the first time
Trial courts have original jurisdiction in the United States
The U.S. Supreme Court also has original jurisdiction in certain cases, such as suits between states over territorial or water rights disputes

Appellate Jurisdiction

The power of a higher court to review a lower court's decision
The U.S. Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction over lower courts in the United States
In India, the Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction can be invoked by a certificate granted by the High Court in cases involving substantial questions of law as to the interpretation of the Indian Constitution

Concurrent Jurisdiction

Multiple courts share the power to hear a case
Example: in Georgia, a civil dispute over $200 can be heard in either a Georgia District Court or a Georgia County Court
Allows parties to choose the court in which they want to file their case
However, forum shopping (bringing a case to a court that is presumed to rule in one's favor) is not always allowed

Federal Jurisdiction

The power of federal courts to hear certain types of cases
Federal courts in the United States have exclusive jurisdiction over federal matters (cases based on federal statutes or the federal Constitution)
State courts have nonexclusive jurisdiction and can hear both state and federal matters
Federal criminal prosecutions always take place in federal courts, while state criminal prosecutions take place in state courts

Understand the concept of jurisdiction in law, including original, appellate, concurrent, and federal jurisdiction. Learn about the power of courts to hear and decide cases in the United States.