Opinion ID: 1707963
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: jurisdiction

Text: Although neither of the parties objected to the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals, it was the duty of the Court of Appeals to determine whether or not it had jurisdiction over the matter. Lack of subject matter jurisdiction may be raised sua sponte by a court. The parties cannot confer subject matter jurisdiction upon a judicial tribunal by either acquiescence or consent, nor may subject matter jurisdiction be created by waiver, estoppel, consent, or conduct of the parties. Anderson v. HMO Nebraska, 244 Neb. 237, 505 N.W.2d 700 (1993). Whether a question is raised by the parties concerning jurisdiction of a lower court or tribunal, it is not only within the power but the duty of an appellate court to determine whether the appellate court has jurisdiction over the matter before it. In re Interest of D.M.B., 240 Neb. 349, 481 N.W.2d 905 (1992). There are three types of final orders which may be reviewed on appeal. Neb.Rev.Stat. §§ 25-1902 (Reissue 1989) and 25-1911 (Cum.Supp.1992). The three types are (1) an order which affects a substantial right and which determines the action and prevents a judgment, (2) an order affecting a substantial right made during a special proceeding, and (3) an order affecting a substantial right made on summary application in an action after judgment is rendered. Jarrett v. Eichler, 244 Neb. 310, 313, 506 N.W.2d 682, 684 (1993). To be a final order under the first type of reviewable order, an order must dispose of the whole merits of the case and must leave nothing for further consideration of the court, and thus, the order is final when no further action of the court is required to dispose of the pending cause; however, if the cause is retained for further action, the order is interlocutory. In re Interest of L.W., 241 Neb. 84, 486 N.W.2d 486 (1992). Moreover, if a party's substantial rights are not determined by the court's order and the cause is retained for further action, the order is not final for purposes of appeal. Larsen v. Ralston Bank, 236 Neb. 880, 464 N.W.2d 329 (1991).