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 Louisiana, subject matter jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear cases of a particular type or cases relating to specific subject matter. This jurisdiction is determined by both the Louisiana Constitution and statutory laws enacted by the Louisiana Legislature, as well as applicable federal laws and the U.S. Constitution. For instance, the Louisiana District Courts are courts of general jurisdiction and can hear most types of cases, both civil and criminal. On the other hand, certain courts, like family courts or juvenile courts, have specialized jurisdiction and can only hear cases that fall within their specific domain. Additionally, federal courts have jurisdiction over matters that involve federal law, the U.S. Constitution, or disputes between states or between a state and citizens of another state. The jurisdiction of a court must be established before it can proceed with a case and render an enforceable judgment. If a court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, any judgment or order it issues is void and without legal effect.