What Is Subject Matter Jurisdiction?

What This Notice or Action Is

Subject matter jurisdiction is the court's authority to hear a particular type of case. It's based on the nature of the claim, not the parties. A court without subject matter jurisdiction cannot decide your case, and lack of jurisdiction can be raised at any time—even on appeal.

What Law or Rules Typically Govern It

Federal Subject Matter Jurisdiction

Federal question (28 U.S.C. § 1331): Case arises under federal law
Diversity (28 U.S.C. § 1332): Parties from different states + amount in controversy over $75,000
Supplemental (28 U.S.C. § 1367): Related state claims can be added to federal case

State Court Jurisdiction

General jurisdiction: Can hear most types of cases
Limited jurisdiction: Specific courts for specific cases (small claims, family, probate)
Amount in controversy limits: Small claims courts have dollar limits

Key Principles

Subject matter jurisdiction cannot be waived or consented to
Can be challenged at any time, even after judgment
Court must dismiss if it lacks jurisdiction
Parties cannot create jurisdiction by agreement

What Pro Se Litigants Commonly Misunderstand

❌ "I can sue in any court I want"

Reality: You must file in a court that has subject matter jurisdiction over your type of case.

❌ "If the other party doesn't object, the court has jurisdiction"

Reality: Subject matter jurisdiction cannot be waived. The court must have it regardless of what parties agree to.

❌ "Federal court is better, so I'll file there"

Reality: You can only file in federal court if you have federal question or diversity jurisdiction. You can't choose federal court just because you prefer it.

How This Issue Is Typically Researched

Step 1: Identify the Nature of Your Claim

Is it based on federal law or state law?
What is the amount in controversy?
What type of relief are you seeking?

Step 2: Research Which Courts Can Hear Your Case

Check federal jurisdiction statutes (28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1332)
Review state court jurisdiction statutes
Check dollar limits for small claims or limited jurisdiction courts

Step 3: Determine If Jurisdiction Exists

For federal question: Does claim arise under federal law?
For diversity: Are parties from different states? Is amount over $75,000?
For state court: Does court have authority over this type of case?

Common Procedural Risks or Traps

⚠️ Jurisdiction vs. Venue

Don't confuse subject matter jurisdiction (court's authority to hear case type) with venue (proper location) or personal jurisdiction (authority over parties).

Common Jurisdictional Issues

Diversity destroyed: Plaintiff and defendant from same state
Amount in controversy: Claim doesn't meet $75,000 threshold
Wrong court type: Filed in small claims but amount exceeds limit
Exclusive federal jurisdiction: Some claims (bankruptcy, patents) must be in federal court