What term refers to the types of cases a particular court has the authority to hear?

The correct term for the types of cases a particular court has the authority to hear is subject matter jurisdiction. This concept designates the specific areas or subjects of law that a court is permitted to adjudicate. Each court system is structured to handle various types of legal issues, such as criminal, civil, family law, or probate cases. Subject matter jurisdiction is crucial because if a court does not have the appropriate jurisdiction over the subject matter, any decisions made in that case could be deemed invalid.

Understanding subject matter jurisdiction helps clarify the boundaries within which courts operate. For example, a family court has the authority to handle divorce and custody cases, but it would not have the jurisdiction to preside over bankruptcy cases, which fall under a different court's purview. This distinction is vital for ensuring that cases are decided by the appropriate legal authority that is equipped to handle the specific issues presented.