Civil Procedure
Subject-Matter Jurisdiction
Definition
Subject-matter jurisdiction is the court's authority to hear the type of case before it. Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction, possessing only the authority granted by the Constitution and Congress. The two primary bases for federal subject-matter jurisdiction are federal question jurisdiction (28 U.S.C. Section 1331) and diversity jurisdiction (28 U.S.C. Section 1332). Unlike personal jurisdiction, subject-matter jurisdiction cannot be waived by the parties and can be raised at any time.
Example
A plaintiff sues in federal court claiming $50,000 in damages under state law. If the parties are not diverse and there is no federal question, the court lacks subject-matter jurisdiction.