What is "original jurisdiction"?

Original jurisdiction refers specifically to the authority of a court to hear a case for the first time. This means that the court has the right to examine the facts and legal arguments directly, rather than reviewing a decision made by another court. Original jurisdiction is typically held by trial courts, where most cases begin, as these courts assess evidence, examine witnesses, and render verdicts based on the presented information.

In this context, other options pertain to different aspects of judicial power. For example, the power to hear appeals involves appellate jurisdiction, which allows higher courts to review and possibly change the outcomes of lower court decisions. The authority to review Supreme Court decisions is not applicable, as the Supreme Court's decisions are final unless overturned by a constitutional amendment or its own future decisions. The power to enforce judicial decisions refers to the enforcement mechanisms of court rulings, which is separate from the initial authority to hear and decide a case. Understanding original jurisdiction is fundamental as it defines where and how legal disputes are initially addressed within the judicial system.