Flashcards Studio

A civil action for damages arising from a construction contract is filed in the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) by Alex against Bruno. The contract concerns the construction of a building and the relief sought would exceed the MTC's monetary jurisdiction. Bruno did not object to the MTC's lack of subject-matter jurisdiction and fully participated in the proceedings (pleading, presenting evidence, and cross-examining witnesses). After trial, the MTC renders judgment in favor of Alex. Bruno then moves for relief, contending lack of SMJ. (a) Identify the doctrine governing the effect of estoppel on subject-matter jurisdiction. (b) Distinguish the controlling rule on estoppel in this context from the general principle that lack of SMJ cannot be cured by consent. (c) Apply the doctrine to the facts: is Bruno barred by estoppel from challenging the MTC's lack of SMJ, and what is the proper judicial remedy if the court truly lacked SMJ?