What is Subject Matter Jurisdiction? UPDATED VERSION: https://youtu.be/P7oky-OOz7U

USLawEssentials

10 Apr 201403:59

Summary

TLDRThis video explains subject matter jurisdiction in the U.S. legal system, focusing on the distinction between federal and state courts. It covers how subject matter jurisdiction determines whether a case should be heard in federal or state court. State courts generally have broad jurisdiction over cases like car accidents, contracts, and divorces, while federal courts have limited jurisdiction, requiring cases to meet specific criteria such as federal question or diversity jurisdiction. The video sets up a future discussion on these federal court jurisdiction types and offers additional resources for viewers to engage further.

Takeaways

📝 Subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court's power to decide a case.
⚖️ In the U.S., there are two court systems: federal courts and state courts.
🗺️ Subject matter jurisdiction determines whether a case belongs in federal court, state court, or possibly both.
🏛️ State courts generally have broad jurisdiction and can hear almost any type of case.
🚗 In a car accident case involving Patty and David, a state court likely has jurisdiction due to its broad powers.
📜 State courts handle cases like car accidents, contracts, torts, divorces, business disputes, and wills.
⚖️ Federal courts, in contrast, have limited subject matter jurisdiction and can only hear specific types of cases.
🔍 Federal court jurisdiction can be invoked in cases involving federal questions or diversity jurisdiction.
📝 Federal question jurisdiction and diversity jurisdiction are the two main types of subject matter jurisdiction in federal courts.
📚 Future videos will explore these two types of jurisdiction in more detail.

Q & A

What is subject matter jurisdiction?
-Subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court's power to decide a particular type of case. It determines whether a case can be heard in state court, federal court, or either.
How many court systems exist in the United States, and what are they?
-There are two court systems in the United States: federal courts and state courts.
What is the difference between state court and federal court subject matter jurisdiction?
-State courts have almost unlimited subject matter jurisdiction, meaning they can hear a wide variety of cases. In contrast, federal courts have limited subject matter jurisdiction and can only hear certain types of cases.
Can state courts hear car accident cases?
-Yes, state courts have subject matter jurisdiction over car accident cases, as well as other types of cases like contract disputes, divorces, and business disputes.
Why might someone like Patty sue in state court instead of federal court?
-Patty might sue in state court because state courts have broad subject matter jurisdiction and are likely able to hear her case involving a car accident. Federal courts, however, can only hear certain types of cases.
What are the two major types of subject matter jurisdiction in federal courts?
-The two major types of subject matter jurisdiction in federal courts are federal question jurisdiction and diversity jurisdiction.
What types of cases can federal courts decide?
-Federal courts can only decide cases that fall under specific categories, such as those involving federal law (federal question jurisdiction) or cases where the parties are from different states and the amount in dispute exceeds a certain threshold (diversity jurisdiction).
In the example of Patty and David's car accident, can the case be heard in federal court?
-It depends on the specifics of the case. Federal courts have limited jurisdiction, so unless the case involves a federal question or meets the requirements for diversity jurisdiction, it may not be eligible for federal court.
Why is choosing between state and federal court a strategic decision in real life?
-Deciding whether to bring a case in state or federal court can involve strategic considerations, such as the laws that apply, the procedural rules, and the perceived advantages of one court system over the other.
What will be discussed in the upcoming video?
-The upcoming video will discuss federal question jurisdiction and diversity jurisdiction, which are the two main types of subject matter jurisdiction in federal courts.

Outlines

00:00

📖 Introduction to Subject Matter Jurisdiction

This paragraph introduces the concept of subject matter jurisdiction, explaining that it refers to a court's power to decide a case. It highlights the distinction between federal and state courts in the United States, emphasizing that subject matter jurisdiction determines whether a case should be heard by a federal court, a state court, or potentially either. It also notes that in legal education, understanding where a case should be filed is crucial, while in practice, it often involves strategic considerations.

🚗 Case Example: Patty and David's Car Accident

This section uses an example involving two people, Patty and David, who were in a car accident. It explores whether Patty should file a lawsuit in federal or state court. The explanation reveals that state courts have broad, almost unlimited subject matter jurisdiction, meaning they can hear a wide variety of cases, including car accidents, contracts, torts, divorce, and more. The paragraph suggests that Patty would likely file her case in state court because of its expansive jurisdiction.

⚖️ Federal Court: Limited Subject Matter Jurisdiction

Here, the focus shifts to federal courts and their limited subject matter jurisdiction. Unlike state courts, federal courts can only hear certain types of cases. The paragraph stresses that if Patty wants to sue David in federal court, her case must fall under specific criteria that grant federal courts the authority to hear it. If her case doesn't meet these criteria, federal courts will lack the power to decide it.

🔑 Two Major Types of Federal Jurisdiction

This paragraph introduces the two main types of subject matter jurisdiction in federal courts: federal question jurisdiction and diversity jurisdiction. While the details of these types of jurisdiction are not elaborated here, the paragraph sets the stage for future videos that will cover these concepts in greater depth.

💬 Conclusion and Further Discussion

The final paragraph invites viewers to engage in further discussion about subject matter jurisdiction and other aspects of U.S. law. The speaker encourages interaction through a message board, blog, email, or comment section, indicating that they are open to answering questions and fostering dialogue on the topic.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Subject Matter Jurisdiction

Subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to decide the type of case brought before it. In the video, it describes whether a case should be heard in federal or state court based on the nature of the dispute, such as car accidents or contract cases. The term emphasizes the court’s power to rule on specific matters.

💡Federal Courts

Federal courts are part of the U.S. judicial system with limited subject matter jurisdiction, meaning they can only decide certain types of cases. In the video, federal courts are mentioned in relation to their authority to hear specific cases like those involving federal law or disputes between citizens of different states.

💡State Courts

State courts are courts that have broad subject matter jurisdiction, meaning they can hear almost any type of case, such as car accidents, divorce, and wills. In the video, state courts are contrasted with federal courts, which have limited jurisdiction.

💡Federal Question Jurisdiction

Federal question jurisdiction allows federal courts to hear cases that involve issues related to federal law. The video introduces this as one of the two major types of subject matter jurisdiction in federal courts, highlighting the types of cases federal courts can hear.

💡Diversity Jurisdiction

Diversity jurisdiction refers to a federal court’s ability to hear cases where the parties are from different states or countries, and the amount in dispute exceeds a certain threshold. The video explains this as the second major type of subject matter jurisdiction in federal courts.

💡Strategic Question

A strategic question refers to the decision-making process of choosing whether to file a case in state or federal court, based on the advantages and disadvantages each venue might offer. The video suggests that in real life, this decision involves more than just legal rules; it also includes considerations of strategy.

💡Car Accident

In the video, a car accident is used as an example of a case that might go to either state or federal court, depending on the details. The accident between Patty and David is hypothetical, helping explain how subject matter jurisdiction applies to different types of cases.

💡Limited Jurisdiction

Limited jurisdiction refers to the specific types of cases a court can hear. Federal courts, in particular, are described as having limited subject matter jurisdiction, meaning they can only decide certain kinds of cases, unlike state courts, which have broader authority.

💡Contract Cases

Contract cases are disputes between parties about agreements or promises. The video mentions that state courts typically have jurisdiction over contract cases, illustrating the broader authority of state courts compared to federal courts.

💡Torts

Torts refer to civil wrongs that cause harm or loss, such as negligence in a car accident. In the video, torts are mentioned as another type of case over which state courts have jurisdiction, reinforcing the idea that state courts handle a wide variety of civil disputes.

Highlights

Introduction to subject matter jurisdiction, defining it as the court's power to decide a case.

Explanation of two types of court systems in the United States: federal courts and state courts.

Subject matter jurisdiction determines whether a case goes to state court, federal court, or potentially either.

Strategic consideration of whether to bring a case in state or federal court in real-life situations.

State court subject matter jurisdiction is almost unlimited, covering cases like car accidents, contracts, torts, divorce, business disputes, and wills.

Federal courts have limited subject matter jurisdiction, only deciding certain types of cases.

Hypothetical example of Patty suing David after a car accident, and whether she should sue in state or federal court.

State courts are likely to have subject matter jurisdiction over a car accident case, as they handle many types of disputes.

Federal courts' limited jurisdiction means Patty might not be able to sue David in federal court unless certain conditions are met.

Federal courts have two major types of subject matter jurisdiction: federal question jurisdiction and diversity jurisdiction.

Federal question jurisdiction involves cases where the plaintiff’s claim is based on federal law.

Diversity jurisdiction applies when the parties are from different states and the amount in controversy exceeds a certain threshold.

Promise of further discussion on federal question and diversity jurisdiction in an upcoming video.

Encouragement to join the message board or visit the blog for further discussion on US law topics.

Invitation to submit comments or email questions related to the subject matter jurisdiction.