Which term refers to the authority of a court to hear a case?

The term that refers to the authority of a court to hear a case is jurisdiction. Jurisdiction is a foundational concept in law that defines the scope of a court's power to make legal decisions and judgments. It determines which court can hear a particular case, based on factors such as geographic location, the nature of the case, and the parties involved.

For instance, a federal court has jurisdiction over cases involving federal laws or disputes between citizens of different states, while state courts handle cases that fall under state laws. Understanding jurisdiction is crucial because if a court lacks jurisdiction, any ruling it makes may be invalid.

The other terms listed do not pertain to a court's authority to hear cases. Litigation refers to the process of taking a case through the legal system. Testimony is evidence presented by a witness who speaks under oath during a trial. A verdict is the formal decision or judgment made by a jury or judge at the conclusion of a case. Thus, jurisdiction specifically encapsulates the authority aspect that is central to the question.