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 Vermont, subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear cases of a specific nature. The Vermont Constitution, along with federal constitutional principles, outlines the foundational jurisdictional boundaries for courts within the state. Additionally, Vermont statutes and rules established by the state legislature further delineate the scope of jurisdiction for different courts. For instance, the Vermont Superior Court has general jurisdiction and can hear a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. On the other hand, some courts, like family courts or probate courts, have limited jurisdiction and are specialized to handle only certain types of cases. Federal laws enacted by Congress can also grant or limit jurisdiction in certain areas, particularly in matters that involve federal questions or parties from different states. It is essential for a court to have subject matter jurisdiction to render a legally binding decision in a case. If a court lacks this jurisdiction, any judgment or order it issues could be deemed invalid.