A court cannot decide every dispute that comes through its doors. Jurisdiction is the legal authority of a court to hear a case and issue binding orders over the parties and subject matter involved.

Subject-matter jurisdiction concerns the type of case; personal jurisdiction concerns power over the defendants. Geographic and hierarchical limits further define which court is proper. Parties sometimes consent to jurisdiction through contracts or appearance; other times long-arm statutes and constitutional due process set the outer bounds.

Filing in a court that lacks jurisdiction wastes time and can nullify judgments. Defense lawyers scrutinize jurisdictional bases early and may move to dismiss. Clear jurisdictional rules promote predictability and protect defendants from distant or inappropriate forums.

• Court’s authority to hear and decide a case
• Includes subject-matter and personal dimensions
• Limited by geography, hierarchy, and due process
• Foundational issue examined at the outset of litigation