Subject-matter jurisdiction concerns the court's power over the category of dispute. Federal courts have limited jurisdiction, extending only to federal questions, diversity cases meeting the amount threshold, and other statutorily defined categories. Most state courts have general jurisdiction.
It cannot be waived, consented to, or forfeited, and may be raised at any time including on appeal.
Alternative Names:
SMJ, Competence of the Court
Why it Matters?
Because it cannot be waived, a jurisdictional defect discovered after judgment destroys the entire proceeding, which is why removing defendants must document the basis carefully rather than relying on the complaint's allegations. Amount in controversy is the recurring problem in diversity cases where the complaint pleads no specific damages, and courts require evidence rather than assertion.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Can parties agree to federal subject-matter jurisdiction?
When can it be raised?
