What term refers to the authority to hear a case, determining the next step based on a noncitizen's residence?

The term that accurately describes the authority to hear a case, especially in the context of a noncitizen's residence, is jurisdiction. Jurisdiction refers to the legal power or authority that a court or other entity has to make legal decisions and judgments. This authority can vary based on various factors, including where a person resides and the nature of the case. In immigration matters, a court's jurisdiction will determine how cases involving noncitizens are handled, including which laws and procedures apply based on their residential status.

The other terms are relevant in different contexts but do not pertain specifically to the authority to hear a case based on someone's residence. Jus soli, for example, relates to the right of anyone born in the territory of a state to nationality or citizenship, while jus sanguinis refers to citizenship rights based on ancestry or parentage. Jurisprudence pertains to the theory or philosophy of law rather than the authority to make legal decisions. Thus, jurisdiction is the most precise term in the context described.