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Civil procedure

subject matter jurisdiction

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 Mississippi, 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 Mississippi Constitution, along with state statutes, delineates the scope of subject matter jurisdiction for various courts within the state. For example, the Mississippi Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters, while the Chancery Courts have jurisdiction over matters such as equity, domestic relations, and probate. Circuit Courts have jurisdiction over felony criminal prosecutions and civil cases. Additionally, the U.S. Constitution and federal laws grant federal courts jurisdiction over certain cases, such as those involving federal laws, the Constitution, or disputes between states. It is important for a case to be filed in a court with the proper subject matter jurisdiction, otherwise, the court may dismiss the case. An attorney can provide guidance on which court has jurisdiction over a particular matter.

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Civil procedure

subject matter jurisdiction

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Mississippi State Code

Mississippi State Code

Civil procedure

subject matter jurisdiction

Articles