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 Delaware, subject matter jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear cases of a particular type or cases relating to specific subject matter. The Delaware Constitution, state statutes, and federal laws define the scope of subject matter jurisdiction for different courts within the state. For example, the Delaware Court of Chancery primarily handles equity cases, such as those involving trusts, estates, and corporate governance, while the Delaware Superior Court has general jurisdiction and can hear a wide range of cases, including civil and criminal matters. Federal courts, such as the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, have jurisdiction over cases involving federal law, as well as certain cases between citizens of different states where the amount in controversy exceeds a statutory threshold. The jurisdiction of each court is also subject to limitations imposed by the U.S. Constitution, such as the requirement that federal courts only hear cases involving a federal question or diversity of citizenship.