What is "jurisdiction" in the context of civil litigation?

Jurisdiction refers specifically to the authority of a court to hear and decide a case, and it is often defined by geographic location. In the context of civil litigation, this means that a court must have both subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction over the individuals or entities involved in the case. Subject matter jurisdiction indicates the court's ability to hear the type of case presented, while personal jurisdiction concerns the court's power over the parties involved, typically based on their residence or where the events in question occurred.

This foundational concept is crucial because, without proper jurisdiction, any ruling made by the court can be deemed invalid. Jurisdiction ensures that cases are heard in the appropriate venue, where the court has the required authority to resolve the issues presented.