Which principle asserts that filing a lawsuit means one submits to the jurisdiction of that court?

The principle that filing a lawsuit means one submits to the jurisdiction of that court is known as voluntary submission. When a party initiates a lawsuit in a particular court, they are effectively consenting to the court's authority over them in that matter. By taking that step, they acknowledge the court’s power to make binding decisions regarding the case, including the resolution of legal issues and the enforcement of judgments.

This concept is foundational in understanding personal jurisdiction, as it highlights that the act of bringing a case before a court inherently entails acceptance of the court’s jurisdiction over the parties involved. This principle reinforces the idea that legal procedures are grounded in an individual's or entity’s choice to engage with the judicial system in a specified forum.

Other principles mentioned, such as subject matter jurisdiction, refer specifically to a court's authority to hear a particular type of case rather than the authority over the parties themselves. Reciprocal jurisdiction does not accurately reflect the dynamic of submission through filing a lawsuit, and statutory compliance relates to adherence to laws rather than the act of submitting to jurisdiction via litigation. Hence, the correct choice emphasizes the basis of personal jurisdiction stemming from voluntary action by the party.