Which term describes the court's authority to hear a case?

The term that describes the court's authority to hear a case is jurisdiction. Jurisdiction refers to the legal power or authority of a court to make decisions and enforce laws in specific matters. This concept is fundamental in the legal system, as it determines which court can hear a case based on factors such as the geographical location, the subject matter of the case, and the parties involved.

For instance, a court may have jurisdiction over criminal cases but not personal injury cases, or vice versa, depending on its specific mandates. Jurisdiction is essential as it ensures that a case is heard in the appropriate venue where the court has the legal authority to render a judgment.

Standing relates to a party's right to bring a lawsuit, ensuring that they have a sufficient connection to and harm from the issue to justify their involvement. Justiciable controversy pertains to the requirement that a case must present a legal question that can be resolved by the courts, ensuring that judicial resources are used to address real disputes rather than hypothetical situations. Litigation refers to the process of taking legal action or the act of bringing a case before a court. While all these terms are significant in the context of law, jurisdiction specifically pertains to the court's authority, which makes it the correct response.