Most courts in the US are of limited jurisdiction, meaning they can only hear certain types of cases. Different courts have different powers, and jurisdiction is necessary for a court to make a decision. Federal courts also have limited jurisdiction, and can only hear cases that meet certain conditions. State courts are also limited jurisdiction courts, and cannot decide cases that fall under federal jurisdiction. Other courts of limited jurisdiction include Family Court and Small Claims Court.
Limited jurisdiction is a term that applies to courts. It means that the court can only hear or preside over certain types of cases. Within the United States, most courts are courts of limited jurisdiction.
To rule on a case, or to make a decision, the court must have jurisdiction over the parties involved in the dispute. Because different courts have different powers, not all courts have jurisdiction over every person or situation. Jurisdiction simply means that the court has the right to tell the litigants what to do and to set a precedent, make case law, regarding the matter.
Under the US Constitution, some power was vested in the federal government and some power was left to the states. Likewise, federal courts, such as the Supreme Court, federal district courts, federal appellate courts, and federal bankruptcy courts, also only have power over certain things. Matters over which the federal courts have no power are usually left for the state courts to decide, unless the case is appealed to the Federal Supreme Court.
Therefore, the federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction. Federal district courts can hear a case only if it meets certain conditions. The case must arise out of a federal matter or must involve individuals from multiple states and a litigation amount in excess of $75,000 US Dollars (USD).
A federal matter means that the plaintiff and the defendant are having a dispute based on how federal law applies in their situation. For example, if a party believes that its constitutional rights have been violated, that matter must be resolved in federal court, as only the federal courts have the jurisdiction to interpret the United States Constitution. The example is based on a federal issue: the correct interpretation of the Constitution.
State courts are also limited jurisdiction courts. A state court cannot decide a case if sole power is vested in the federal government. For example, a state court cannot resolve a matter under the US Constitution. A state court also cannot preside over a federal tax case or bankruptcy case.
Other courts of limited jurisdiction include the Family Court and the Small Claims Court. Family courts can only decide matters arising from family law, such as divorce and custody cases. The small claims court can only decide cases if the amount in dispute falls within a certain stated limit.
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