What Gives a Court the Power to Hear a Case in Texas?

If you’re involved in a lawsuit or planning to file one, you may wonder: How does a court even have the power to hear this case? That power comes from something called jurisdiction. Without it, a judge can’t make legal decisions in your matter.

Understanding how jurisdiction works in Texas can help you avoid delays, dismissal, and wasted money.

Why Jurisdiction Matters in Civil Cases

Imagine you file a lawsuit, attend court dates, and prepare evidence—only to have your case thrown out because the court says it has no authority to decide. This happens when a court lacks jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction is the legal term for a court’s authority to hear a case and make rulings that are legally binding. There are two key types:

• Subject matter jurisdiction: Does the court have power over the type of case?
• Personal jurisdiction: Does the court have power over the people or businesses involved?

Texas law requires both types of jurisdiction for a case to proceed.

What Is Subject Matter Jurisdiction?

Subject matter jurisdiction refers to a court’s legal authority to hear a certain kind of case. This depends on what the lawsuit is about.

Examples in Texas:

• Justice of the Peace Courts: Handle small claims under $20,000.
• County Courts: Handle mid-size civil cases, typically up to $250,000.
• District Courts: Handle larger civil lawsuits with no maximum limit, and often hear family law, probate, and serious criminal cases.

If you file a $500,000 breach of contract case in a justice court, it will be dismissed because that court lacks subject matter jurisdiction. It doesn’t matter how strong your case is—the court simply can’t hear it.

What Is Personal Jurisdiction?

Personal jurisdiction refers to a court’s power over the people or businesses in the case. The court must have a valid legal connection to the defendant.

In Texas, a court usually has personal jurisdiction if:

1. The defendant lives in Texas.
2. The defendant does business in Texas.
3. The defendant was served legal papers in Texas.
4. The defendant has significant contacts with Texas, like owning property or committing a harmful act here.

If you sue someone from another state who has no ties to Texas, the court may dismiss your case for lack of personal jurisdiction.

Can You Waive Jurisdiction Issues?

Yes—but only personal jurisdiction can be waived. If a defendant doesn’t raise this objection early (usually in the first response to the lawsuit), the court may proceed as if it has proper authority.

However, subject matter jurisdiction can never be waived. If the court lacks it, the case must be dismissed—even years later.

What If You File in the Wrong Court?

Filing in a court without jurisdiction causes problems:

• Delays: You may have to refile your case in the correct court.
• Higher costs: Starting over means paying new fees and possibly hiring new counsel.
• Lost rights: If your filing deadline (statute of limitations) expires, you may lose your legal claim.

How to Make Sure You’re in the Right Court

To avoid filing errors:

1. Identify the nature of your case (e.g., contract dispute, injury, property).
2. Calculate the amount in controversy to match the court’s limits.
3. Verify the defendant’s connection to Texas or the local area.
4. Consult a Texas attorney who can assess both subject matter and personal jurisdiction.

FAQs About Jurisdiction in Texas

Can a court decide a case if the defendant is out of state?

Maybe. Texas courts can exercise long-arm jurisdiction if the out-of-state defendant has enough contacts with Texas—like doing business or causing harm here.

What happens if jurisdiction is challenged?

The court will review the facts. If it finds no jurisdiction, it must dismiss the case. This is often done through a motion to dismiss early in the case.

Can you appeal a jurisdiction decision?

Yes. If a court wrongly claims jurisdiction or dismisses a case for lack of it, the decision can be appealed.

Talk to a Civil Litigation Attorney in Texas

Understanding jurisdiction is critical in any civil case. Filing in the wrong court wastes time and money. An experienced Texas lawyer can help you determine the right court and strengthen your case from the start.

If you’re unsure whether your case belongs in a Texas court—or if your case was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction—get legal guidance now.

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Contact The Woodlands Law Firm at (832) 626-0116 or schedule a free consultation at https://link.woodlands.law/book.