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 Maryland, subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear and decide cases of a specific nature. The Maryland Constitution and various state statutes outline the jurisdiction of different courts within the state. For example, the Circuit Courts generally have broad jurisdiction and can hear major civil cases, serious criminal cases, and family law matters, among others. On the other hand, the District Courts have jurisdiction over certain civil cases, such as those involving claims up to a specific monetary limit, landlord-tenant disputes, and minor criminal matters. Additionally, the Court of Appeals and the Court of Special Appeals serve as appellate courts, reviewing decisions from lower courts. Federal courts, such as the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, have jurisdiction as defined by the U.S. Constitution and federal laws, typically involving federal questions, diversity of citizenship cases, and other matters specified by Congress. It is important for a case to be filed in a court with the proper subject matter jurisdiction, as filing in an incorrect court can result in a dismissal of the case.