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 Michigan, subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear cases of a specific nature. The Michigan Constitution, statutes, and the U.S. Constitution delineate the scope of subject matter jurisdiction for different courts within the state. For instance, the Michigan Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction, handling a wide range of cases including civil matters over $25,000, felony criminal cases, and family law matters. On the other hand, District Courts have jurisdiction over civil cases with claims up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, misdemeanors, and other specific matters. The Probate Courts handle wills, estates, and guardianships, among other things. The Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court have appellate jurisdiction, reviewing decisions from lower courts. Federal courts, such as the U.S. District Courts in Michigan, have jurisdiction as defined by Congress and the U.S. Constitution, typically involving federal law, disputes between states, or cases involving parties from different states where the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000. Each court can only hear cases that fall within its jurisdiction, and if a case is filed in a court without the proper jurisdiction, it can be dismissed or transferred to the appropriate court.