People v. Eaton

In People v. Eaton, 184 Mich App 649, 652-653; 459 NW2d 86 (1990), aff'd 439 Mich 919; 479 NW2d 639 (1992), the Court explained the distinction between subject-matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction: Jurisdiction involves the two different concepts of subject-matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction. Subject-matter jurisdiction encompasses those matters upon which the court has power to act. Personal jurisdiction deals with the authority of the court to bind the parties to the action. Subject-matter jurisdiction is never waivable nor may it be stipulated to by the parties. Personal jurisdiction, however, is always waivable and defects may be corrected by stipulation.