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 Arkansas, subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear and decide cases of a specific nature. The jurisdiction of a court is established by the Arkansas Constitution, federal law, and statutes enacted by the Arkansas General Assembly. For instance, the Arkansas Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction that can hear civil, criminal, probate, and domestic relations cases. They have the authority to decide a wide range of issues unless jurisdiction is specifically granted to another court. On the other hand, certain courts, like small claims courts, have limited jurisdiction and can only hear cases that fall within specific parameters, such as disputes involving limited amounts of money. Additionally, federal courts have jurisdiction over cases involving federal law, the U.S. Constitution, or disputes between states or between a state and citizens of another state. The allocation of subject matter jurisdiction ensures that cases are heard by the appropriate court with the legal authority to decide on the issues presented.