Which of the following terms indicates that a lawsuit must be filed in a specific court that has authority over that type of case?

The term that indicates a lawsuit must be filed in a specific court that has authority over that type of case is limited jurisdiction. Courts of limited jurisdiction have the authority to hear only certain types of cases defined by statute or other governing laws. This means that if a particular case does not fall within the scope of that court's authority, it cannot be heard there, and the lawsuit must be redirected to the appropriate court that does have jurisdiction over that issue.

For example, certain courts may only hear family law matters, while others may only handle traffic cases, meaning they cannot entertain cases outside of these specified areas. This distinction is crucial for ensuring that cases are addressed in the correct legal forum, helping maintain the organization and efficiency of the judicial system.

In contrast, exclusive jurisdiction refers to a situation where only one court has the authority to decide a particular case, while general jurisdiction refers to courts that can hear a wide range of case types. Circuit jurisdiction typically relates to the structure of the court system and does not inherently convey limitations on the types of cases that can be filed. Understanding these distinctions in jurisdiction is essential for proper case management and filing in the legal system.