Define: Original Jurisdiction

Original jurisdiction refers to a court’s authority to hear and decide a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction, which involves reviewing decisions made by lower courts. Courts with original jurisdiction have the power to conduct trials, receive evidence, and render judgements on legal disputes presented before them. This authority is typically granted by statute, constitution, or legal tradition, and it varies depending on the type of court and the subject matter of the case. For example, trial courts generally have original jurisdiction over both civil and criminal cases within their geographic jurisdiction, while specialised courts may have original jurisdiction over specific types of cases, such as family law or probate matters. Original jurisdiction plays a critical role in the judicial system by providing parties with a forum to resolve legal disputes and obtain a initial determination of their rights and obligations.

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.