Historical aspect of the development of the institution of subject matter jurisdiction in civil proceedings

Abstract

The author conducts a retrospective analysis of the institution of subject matter jurisdiction in Russian civil proceedings. The institution of subject matter jurisdiction originates in the pre-revolutionary period. To determine the mechanism of delimitation of competence between jurisdictional bodies, such concepts as “exclusive jurisdiction” or “establishment” were used. During this period, a distinction was made between the competence of administrative and judicial bodies.

The concept of “subject matter jurisdiction” was enshrined in Soviet legislation for the first time ever. Moreover, in the scientific literature, subject matter jurisdiction is often identified with court jurisdiction. The main task of subject matter jurisdiction in the Soviet period was the division of competence between the courts of general jurisdiction and state arbitration. During this period, the subject and object criteria for delimitation of competence between the courts of general jurisdiction and other jurisdictional bodies, which are currently used, were formulated.

In the post-Soviet period, the judiciary was finally separated from the executive and the courts acquired particular significance in resolving jurisdictional disputes. All large categories of cases were transferred to the jurisdiction of the judiciary. The creation of a system of arbitration courts has led to an even greater importance of the institution of subject matter jurisdiction. It was in the post-Soviet period that the categories of “subject matter jurisdiction” and “court jurisdiction” were finally delimited. As a result of the study, the author concludes that there is some continuity in the development of the institution of subject matter jurisdiction.