Subject-matter

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Subject-matter \Sub"ject-mat`ter\, n.
     The matter or thought presented for consideration in some
     statement or discussion; that which is made the object of
     thought or study.
     [1913 Webster]
  


           As to the subject-matter, words are always to be
           understood as having a regard thereto.   --Blackstone.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           As science makes progress in any subject-matter, poetry
           recedes from it.                         --J. H.
                                                    Newman.
     [1913 Webster]

From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  SUBJECT-MATTER. The cause, the object, the thing in dispute. 
       2. It is a fatal objection to the jurisdiction of the court when it has 
  not cognizance of the subject-matter of the action; as, if a cause 
  exclusively of admiralty jurisdiction were brought in a court of common law, 
  or a criminal proceeding in a court having jurisdiction of civil cases only. 
  10 Co. 68, 76 1 Ventr. 133; 8 Mass. 87; 12 Mass. 367. In such case, neither 
  a plea to the jurisdiction, nor any other plea would be required to oust the 
  court of jurisdiction. The cause might be dismissed upon motion, by the 
  court, ex officio.