The authority of a court to hear a case when it is initiated, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction is called?

• A. Original jurisdiction
• B. Bench trial
• C. Substantive law
• D. Statute of limitations

Answer: (A)

Original jurisdiction is the court’s authority to hear a case in the first instance, meaning it handles the case from start to decision rather than merely reviewing another court’s ruling on appeal. This concept distinguishes where a case begins versus where it is appealed from. Bench trial refers to who decides the facts (judge vs. jury) rather than where the case starts. Substantive law covers the actual rights and duties at issue, not the procedure of bringing the case. Statute of limitations is about timing to file a suit. The term that best fits the description of authority to hear a case at initiation is original jurisdiction.