Civil Procedure
Subject-Matter Jurisdiction
SMJA court's authority to hear a particular type of case. Federal courts have limited subject-matter jurisdiction.
Governing rule: U.S. Const. art. III; 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331-1369
Plain-English definition
Subject-matter jurisdiction is the court's power to hear a particular kind of case. Federal district courts have only the jurisdiction Congress has granted them — primarily federal-question (28 U.S.C. § 1331) and diversity (§ 1332). Lack of subject-matter jurisdiction cannot be waived; it can be raised at any stage of the case, including for the first time on appeal.
More in Civil Procedure
Amended Complaint
A revised complaint that changes, adds, or clarifies allegations, parties, or claims after the original complaint was filed.
Answer
The defendant's formal written response to the plaintiff's complaint, admitting or denying each allegation.
Class Certification
The judicial decision to allow a lawsuit to proceed as a class action on behalf of similarly-situated plaintiffs.
Collateral Estoppel
Also called issue preclusion. The doctrine that prevents re-litigating a specific issue that was actually decided in a prior case.
Complaint
The initial pleading filed by the plaintiff that starts a civil lawsuit.
Consolidation
Combining related cases for coordinated management, discovery, hearings, or trial.
Counterclaim
A claim brought by a defendant against the plaintiff within the same lawsuit.
Crossclaim
A claim by one party against a co-party, such as one defendant suing another defendant in the same case.
Not legal advice. Definitions are for general reference. Consult an attorney before relying on any term in a real case.