What must vest jurisdiction in the court?

• A. A filed charging instrument.
• B. A signed confession.
• C. A note from the clerk.
• D. No instrument is needed.

Answer: (A)

Jurisdiction in a criminal case is created when a charging instrument is filed with the court. This formal document charges the defendant with specific offenses, identifies the accused, and authorizes the court to proceed with the case. A signed confession does not bring a case to the court or grant authority to hear charges; it’s simply an admission of guilt and may be used as evidence after charges exist. A note from the clerk is administrative and does not establish the charges or give the court its authority. Likewise, no instrument being needed is incorrect because, without a charging document, there is no formal basis for the court to exercise jurisdiction over the matter.