Subject Matter Jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear and decide cases based on the type of legal issues involved. Different courts have specific areas of law they can address, such as criminal law, family law, or contract disputes. This ensures that cases are handled by judges who are knowledgeable about the relevant legal principles. For a court to have Subject Matter Jurisdiction, the case must fall within its designated scope. For example, a federal court can hear cases involving federal laws or disputes between states, while a state court typically handles cases related to state laws. Understanding this concept helps determine the appropriate venue for legal disputes.