Subject matter jurisdiction defines a court’s power to decide a lawsuit involving a particular subject matter, and to render an enforceable judgment. A court generally has jurisdiction when the particular claim raised in the case is within its constitutional jurisdiction—as provided by the state constitution or the U.S. Constitution—or because jurisdiction has been mandated by the state legislature or the United States Congress.

In Alaska, as in other states, subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear and decide cases of a specific nature. The Alaska Court System is structured with different levels of courts, each with its own designated jurisdiction. The Alaska Supreme Court, as the highest court, has discretionary appellate jurisdiction. The Alaska Superior Court is a trial court of general jurisdiction and can hear a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. The District Courts have limited jurisdiction, handling lower-level offenses, small claims, and certain civil matters. The jurisdiction of each court is defined by the Alaska Constitution, state statutes, and applicable federal laws. For example, the Alaska Statutes outline the types of cases that can be heard in each court. Federal law can also confer jurisdiction to state courts for certain federal claims. It is important for a claim to be filed in a court with the appropriate subject matter jurisdiction to ensure that any judgment is legally enforceable.