SMJ

Law & Legal abbreviation · Litigation

SMJ
Stands forSubject-matter jurisdiction
CategoriesLaw & Legal

SMJ stands for Subject-matter jurisdiction, a litigation abbreviation.

A court's authority to hear a particular type of case. Federal courts have limited subject-matter jurisdiction, mainly over cases arising under federal law and cases between citizens of different states where more than $75,000 is at stake.

Example: The court raised SMJ on its own and dismissed because both parties were citizens of Ohio.

Usage notes

Unlike personal jurisdiction, subject-matter jurisdiction cannot be waived or created by agreement, and a court must dismiss whenever it finds it lacking (Rule 12(h)(3)). Lack of it can be raised for the first time on appeal. Challenges are typically made under Rule 12(b)(1).

More litigation abbreviations

  • AAA – American Arbitration Association
  • ADR – Alternative dispute resolution
  • AEO – Attorneys' eyes only
  • Aff. – Affidavit
  • AOS – Affidavit of service
  • Br. – Brief
  • CMC – Case management conference
  • COA – Cause of action
  • Compl. – Complaint
  • CPLR – Civil Practice Law and Rules
  • Decl. – Declaration
  • Def. – Defendant

See all 71 litigation abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not legal advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.