What is the jurisdiction of the Court of Queen’s Bench concerning civil and criminal matters?

The Court of Queen’s Bench possesses general jurisdiction over both civil and criminal matters, which means it has the authority to hear and decide a wide range of cases across these categories. In civil matters, this includes everything from contract disputes to tort cases, while in criminal matters, it addresses serious offenses and has the ability to impose significant penalties. This broad mandate allows it to serve as a trial court for most types of legal cases, rather than being limited to specific areas or only hearing appeals from lower courts.

In contrast, options that suggest limitations to family-related cases or the protection of minors do not accurately describe the court's extensive jurisdiction. While family law and the welfare of minors are important areas, they are just part of the broader purview of the court. The option suggesting that the Court of Queen’s Bench has only appellate jurisdiction is also incorrect, as it can serve as a trial court, adjudicating both original cases and appeals. Therefore, the identification of the court as having general jurisdiction is key to understanding its role within the judicial system.