For example, both types of suits must conform to statutes of limitations. A statute of limitations is a law setting the period of time during which a lawsuit must be filed. The time period varies depending on the legal claim. If a case is not filed within the period set by law, the right to file that lawsuit is lost. Both civil and criminal cases also have to meet certain jurisdictional requirements.
Jurisdiction refers to rules governing which court has authority to hear a particular case.
The Texas district courts, for example, may hear any case unless exclusive jurisdiction is given to another court. This is what is known as subject matter jurisdiction. Also, a court must have personal jurisdiction over the parties in the case. Parties must either reside in or have some kind of significant contact with the court's geographic region. Otherwise, people could be sued anywhere in the nation.