Original jurisdiction

Definition

Original jurisdiction is the authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, rather than on appeal. It involves the power to make initial decisions on the facts, legal issues, and remedies involved.

Related terms

Appellate Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to review and possibly revise the decision of a lower court.

Supreme Court: The highest federal court in the United States, which has both original and appellate jurisdiction.

Federal Courts: Courts established by the federal government that have the authority to decide lawsuits between states, citizens from different states, and other cases under federal law