Original jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to

• A. Review lower court decisions.
• B. Interpret the Constitution.
• C. Maintain appellate procedures.
• D. Hear a case for the first time.

Answer: (D)

Original jurisdiction means the court can hear a case in the first instance, not on appeal. It’s the initial decision, where the court is the first forum to determine the facts and apply the law. Most cases start in lower courts and move upward on appeal, but certain matters—like disputes between states or cases involving ambassadors—are heard originally by a court. So hearing a case for the first time best captures what original jurisdiction means. The other options describe reviewing a lower court’s decision, interpreting the Constitution, or handling appellate procedures, which are not what original jurisdiction concerns.