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 Idaho, subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear and decide cases of a specific nature. The Idaho state constitution, along with statutes passed by the Idaho Legislature, delineates the scope of jurisdiction for different courts within the state. For instance, the Idaho District Courts have general jurisdiction and can hear a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, probate, and family law matters. Conversely, Magistrate Courts in Idaho have limited jurisdiction and typically handle matters such as misdemeanors, small claims, and certain family law issues. The U.S. Constitution and federal laws also grant federal courts jurisdiction over certain cases, such as those involving federal laws, disputes between states, or cases where the United States is a party. It is important for a case to be filed in a court with the appropriate subject matter jurisdiction to ensure that any judgment rendered is legally enforceable.