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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 New Jersey, subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear and decide cases of a specific nature. The New Jersey Constitution, along with state statutes, delineates the scope of jurisdiction for different courts within the state. For instance, the New Jersey Superior Court is a court of general jurisdiction and can hear a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, and family matters. Conversely, certain courts, such as municipal courts, have limited jurisdiction and typically handle matters like minor criminal offenses and traffic violations. Additionally, federal laws and the U.S. Constitution may grant or limit jurisdiction in certain areas, such as cases involving federal law or interstate disputes. It is essential for a court to have subject matter jurisdiction to render a legally binding judgment; otherwise, the judgment can be challenged and potentially deemed unenforceable.

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Civil procedure

subject matter jurisdiction

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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New-Jersey State Code

New-Jersey State Code

Civil procedure

subject matter jurisdiction

Articles