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 Nevada, subject matter jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear cases of a particular type or cases relating to a specific subject matter. This jurisdiction is established by the Nevada Constitution, federal law, and statutes enacted by the Nevada Legislature. For example, the Nevada District Courts have general jurisdiction and can hear a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. On the other hand, limited jurisdiction courts, such as Justice Courts and Municipal Courts in Nevada, are restricted to certain types of cases, such as misdemeanors, traffic violations, and small claims. The jurisdiction of federal courts in Nevada, such as the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, is determined by the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes, and typically includes cases involving federal law, disputes between states, and matters involving diversity of citizenship. 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.