Original Jurisdiction is invoked when:

• A. A governmental entity is involved between states
• B. A federal agency interprets a statute
• C. A criminal case arises in a state court
• D. A civil case involving only private parties

Answer: (A)

Original jurisdiction means a court can hear a case for the first time, not on appeal. The Constitution designates the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction for certain matters, especially cases where a state is a party or disputes between states, and for issues involving ambassadors or other public ministers. A dispute in which a governmental entity is involved between states fits this pattern because it involves state governments as parties, making it appropriate for the case to be heard directly in the Supreme Court rather than after going through lower courts. The other scenarios describe ordinary review or proceedings in state courts: an agency interpreting a statute is an administrative/agency action question, a criminal case in a state court stays within the state system, and a civil case between private parties typically proceeds in state or federal courts under standard jurisdiction rules, not original jurisdiction.