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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 Utah, subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear and decide cases of a specific nature. The Utah Constitution, along with state statutes, delineates the scope of jurisdiction for various courts within the state. For example, the Utah Supreme Court has general jurisdiction over all matters of law and equity, including appellate jurisdiction, while district courts have general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, and small claims courts have limited jurisdiction over minor civil disputes. Additionally, federal laws and the U.S. Constitution may grant or limit jurisdiction of federal courts in Utah, such as the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, which has jurisdiction over federal law cases and certain cases between citizens of different states. Jurisdiction is mandated by legislative acts, and courts must operate within the bounds of their defined subject matter jurisdiction to render enforceable judgments.

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Civil procedure

subject matter jurisdiction

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Utah State Code

Utah State Code

Civil procedure

subject matter jurisdiction

Articles