Which term describes the authority given to a specific court over certain cases?

The term that describes the authority given to a specific court over certain cases is "jurisdiction." Jurisdiction refers to the legal power of a court to hear and decide a case, based on the subject matter of the case or the geographical area in which the court operates. This power ensures that cases are handled by the appropriate court, reinforcing the structure of the legal system.

Understanding jurisdiction is crucial because it can determine where a case should be filed and which laws will apply. For instance, a state court typically has jurisdiction over cases involving state laws, while federal courts have jurisdiction over cases that involve federal laws.

The other terms, while related to legal concepts, do not specifically define a court's authority over types of cases in the same way. Venue refers to the specific location where a trial is held, dominion implies control or ownership, and sovereignty refers to the authority of a state to govern itself or another state.