Jurisdiction refers to the legal authority of a court or other governmental body to make decisions and enforce laws within a specific geographic area or over certain types of legal cases. It encompasses both the power to hear a case and the power to apply the law in that context. Jurisdiction can be classified into various types, such as personal jurisdiction, subject matter jurisdiction, and territorial jurisdiction, each defining the scope of authority in different ways. Understanding jurisdiction is crucial in determining where a legal matter can be properly adjudicated.