Jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court or legal body to hear and decide cases. It determines which court has the power to rule on a particular matter based on factors like location, the type of law involved, and the parties involved. For example, a state court may have jurisdiction over local disputes, while a federal court handles cases involving federal laws. There are different types of jurisdiction, including personal jurisdiction, which relates to the court's authority over the individuals involved, and subject matter jurisdiction, which pertains to the court's authority to hear specific types of cases. Understanding jurisdiction is essential for ensuring that legal matters are addressed in the appropriate forum.