What is defined as the power of a court to compel an individual to appear before it?

The power of a court to compel an individual to appear before it is best defined as personal jurisdiction. Personal jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to make decisions affecting the legal rights of specific individuals, which is crucial for ensuring that legal proceedings are fair and legitimate. This type of jurisdiction allows the court to require the presence of the parties involved in a case, ensuring that they can defend their interests and that the court can effectively administer justice.

In this context, original jurisdiction deals with the authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, while appellate jurisdiction refers to the power of a higher court to review and potentially overturn the decisions of a lower court. Trial court jurisdiction generally pertains to the types of cases that a trial court can hear, rather than the specific authority to summon individuals. Thus, personal jurisdiction accurately captures the essence of a court's ability to compel an individual's appearance.