Which type of jurisdiction refers to courts where lawsuits begin and trials take place?

The type of jurisdiction that refers to courts where lawsuits begin and trials take place is original jurisdiction. Courts with original jurisdiction are the first level in the judicial system to hear a case, and they are responsible for examining the evidence, determining the facts, and making rulings based on the law. In these courts, witnesses may be called to testify, and juries may be impaneled to render verdicts.

Understanding this concept is essential because it highlights how legal matters are initially addressed within the judiciary, distinguishing it from other forms of jurisdiction where cases may be reviewed, rather than initiated. For instance, appellate jurisdiction refers to courts that review decisions made by lower courts. Exclusive jurisdiction means that only one particular court has the authority to hear a specific type of case, while concurrent jurisdiction describes situations where more than one court can hear the same case. However, original jurisdiction specifically denotes the starting point in the court system where trials are conducted.