Which term indicates the legal authority to make decisions in specific cases?

Jurisdiction refers to the legal authority granted to a specific court or legal body to make decisions and judgments in particular cases. This term encompasses the power to interpret the law and resolve disputes within a defined geographical area or subject matter. In the context of the justice system, jurisdiction establishes which court can hear a case and makes decisions on legal matters.

The other terms do not describe the concept of legal authority to decide cases. Probation involves a period of supervised release that allows offenders to avoid imprisonment, while parole refers to the conditional release of a prisoner before the full sentence is served. Discrimination deals with unfair treatment based on certain characteristics and does not pertain to a legal authority in making judicial decisions. Therefore, jurisdiction is the most fitting term relating to the legal authority involved in making decisions in specific cases.