General jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear a wide range of cases, regardless of where the events occurred or the parties involved. This type of jurisdiction typically applies to courts in the state where a defendant resides or has significant connections. For example, a state court can exercise general jurisdiction over a resident of that state for various legal matters. In contrast to specific jurisdiction, which is limited to cases arising from particular activities within a state, general jurisdiction allows courts to address almost any legal issue involving a defendant. This broad authority helps ensure that individuals and entities can be held accountable for their actions within a jurisdiction.