What must a court have before it can hear a case?

A court must have both personal jurisdiction and subject matter jurisdiction to hear a case. Personal jurisdiction refers to the court's authority over the individuals or entities involved in the legal proceedings, ensuring that the court has power over the defendants. Subject matter jurisdiction, on the other hand, is the court's authority to hear the specific type of case being brought, whether it is civil, criminal, appellate, etc.

Having both types of jurisdiction is essential to ensure a fair and lawful process, as it confirms that the court has the right to decide the issues at hand based on the relevant laws and the parties involved. Without either one of these jurisdictions, any judgment or decision made by the court could be considered invalid or unenforceable. This requirement forms the basis of the judicial system's structure, allowing it to operate fairly and logically.

The other options fall short because they only mention one form of jurisdiction or a limited scope, failing to encompass both necessary elements that enable the court to proceed with a case.