What is the term for a court's authority to hear and decide cases involving juveniles?

The correct term for a court's authority to hear and decide cases involving juveniles is jurisdiction. Jurisdiction specifically refers to the legal power or authority a court has to make decisions and enforce laws within a certain area or over certain types of cases, including those involving minors. In the context of juvenile law, jurisdictions are established to address the unique legal needs and protections required for juveniles, who may be treated differently than adults in the legal system.

The concept of adjudication pertains to the process of resolving a dispute or making a ruling in a court of law, while mandate refers to a command or authorization to act in a specific way, often given by a higher authority. Authority can be a more general term that may apply to the power or right to make decisions, but it is not specific to the judiciary's capability related to juvenile cases. Thus, jurisdiction is the most precise term to describe the court's ability to handle juvenile cases.