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 West Virginia, subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear and decide cases of a specific nature. The West Virginia Constitution, along with state statutes, delineates the scope of jurisdiction for different courts within the state. For example, the Circuit Courts in West Virginia have general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, meaning they can hear a wide range of matters. On the other hand, Family Courts have jurisdiction over family-related issues such as divorce, child custody, and support. Magistrate Courts handle smaller civil cases and minor criminal matters. Additionally, the federal courts have jurisdiction over cases involving federal law, the U.S. Constitution, or disputes between states or between a state and citizens of another state. The jurisdiction of each court is also influenced by statutes passed by the West Virginia Legislature and the United States Congress, which can expand or limit the matters that a court can hear, ensuring that cases are brought before the appropriate court with the power to render an enforceable judgment.