What term refers to the legal authority or power a court or office holds over individuals or their injuries?

The term that refers to the legal authority or power a court or office holds over individuals or their injuries is "jurisdiction." Jurisdiction encompasses the extent to which a court can administer justice, make legal determinations, and issue enforceable orders or judgments. This concept is crucial in the legal system because it defines which court has the authority to hear a particular case based on various factors such as geographic location, subject matter, and the parties involved.

In the context of civil and criminal cases, jurisdiction determines where a case should be filed and which laws apply. It ensures that legal matters are handled by the appropriate court that has the right to make decisions affecting the parties’ rights and obligations.

The other terms do not capture this specific legal authority. Legislation refers to laws enacted by a governing body; precedence refers to the legal principle where past rulings are used as a guide for future cases; and sovereignty pertains to the ultimate authority of a state or governing body over itself and its territory, which is a broader concept not limited to court authority over individuals.