What determines the jurisdiction in a criminal case?

Jurisdiction in a criminal case is primarily determined by the location where the crime occurred. The rationale behind this is that the legal authority to prosecute a crime often resides with the geographic area in which the offense took place. Local laws and law enforcement agencies are established to address crimes committed within their specific boundaries.

While the severity of the offense can influence the type of court that will hear the case (for example, a felony being tried in a district court versus a misdemeanor in a municipal court), it does not solely dictate jurisdiction. The age of the accused, while relevant in certain legal contexts, specifically regarding juvenile offenses, does not determine jurisdiction itself. Additionally, the victim's residence might have implications in specific types of cases, but again, it does not determine the overall jurisdiction for prosecution. In summary, jurisdiction is fundamentally linked to the location of the crime, making it the pivotal factor in determining where a case will be heard.