Answer:
C. the power of courts to make legal decisions in a certain area.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jurisdiction refers to the legal authority of a court or other governmental body to hear and decide cases or make other legal determinations. This authority is typically limited to a specific geographic area or type of legal matter. For example, a court may have jurisdiction over criminal cases within a particular state, or a regulatory agency may have jurisdiction over a specific industry. Jurisdiction is an important concept in the legal system because it determines which courts or agencies have the authority to make decisions that will be legally binding and enforceable.