What does original jurisdiction refer to?

Original jurisdiction refers to the power of a court to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction, where a court reviews the decisions of lower courts. When a case is said to fall under original jurisdiction, it means that this specific court is the first place where the case is brought, and it will conduct the trial and determine the outcome.

In a practical sense, this means that original jurisdiction courts are responsible for hearing cases that have not been previously adjudicated by another court. This concept is essential for understanding the structure and function of the judiciary, particularly in distinguishing between trial courts and appellate courts.

Cases appealed from lower courts refer to appellate jurisdiction and do not fit the definition of original jurisdiction. Similarly, cases decided by jury trials or those settled out of court do not specifically define original jurisdiction; rather, they pertain to processes that can occur in various types of cases depending on the legal context. Thus, the choice that accurately describes original jurisdiction is one that emphasizes cases that come directly to the court for trial.