Civil Procedure: Jurisdiction and Venue Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the types of subject-matter jurisdiction?

A
  1. Federal Question Jurisdiction
  2. Diversity Jurisdiction
  3. **Supplemental **Jurisdiction
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2
Q

Define:federal question jurisdiction

A

Jurisdiction for any claims “arising under” the Constitution, federal law, or United States treaties

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3
Q

Elements of federal question jurisdiction

A
  1. There is a federal question in dispute; and
  2. Question is on the face of a well-pleaded complaint
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4
Q

What is the well-pleaded complaint rule?

(also known as the Mottley Rule)

A

P must state that D has already violated a federal law on the face of the complaint to qualify as federal question jurisdiction.
Federal question cannot be asserted as a defense (by P or D) - the issue must be asserted by P on the face of the complaint

⚠️ Note: P can’t anticipate that D will violate a federal question in the future; the violation must have already occurred to satisfy the well-pleaded complaint rule.

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5
Q

What is diversity jurisdiction and when does it exist?

A

Jurisdiction based on the citizenship of the plaintiff and defendant.
Exists when:1. There is complete diversity between parties (no party is a citizen of the same state as the other party); and
2. Amount in controversy is greater than $75,000

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6
Q

How is citizenship for diversity jurisdiction determined for: 1. Persons? 2. Corporations?

A
  1. Persons: citizen of the state in which they are domiciled (i.e. where they currently reside and intend to remain indefinitely). *Only one domicile allowed.
  2. Corporations: citizen of the state where the company is incorporated and/or maintains its principal place of business. Can be domiciled in more than one state.
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7
Q

Where is a corporation’s principal place of business?

A

The place where the corporation’s high-level officers direct, control, and coordinate the corporation’s activities, i.e. “the brain/nerve center.” Typically the corporate headquarters.

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8
Q

True or False: In a suit between a party and a corporation, the party must be diverse from both the corporation’s place of incorporation and principal place of business to satisfy the requirements for diversity jurisdiction.

A

True. Complete diversity between the place of incorporation and principal place of business must exist to satisfy diversity.

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9
Q

An unincorporated association is a citizen of which state?

A

28 U.S.C. § 1332(c). The Supreme Court holds that an unincorporated legal entity is a citizen of every State in which any of its members are citizens

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10
Q

When is complete diversity not required for diversity jurisdiction?

A

In class actions when:
1. There are more than 100 members in P’s class;
2. The amount in controversy is greater than $5 million; and
3. Any individual member of the class is diverse from any individual D

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11
Q

Do damages of $75,000 satisfy the amount in controversy?

A

No, must be greater than $75,000.

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12
Q

Can a plaintiff aggregate claims to satisfy the amount in controversy when there is:
* One plaintiff, one defendant
* Multiple plaintiffs, one defendant
* Multiple defendants, one plaintiff

A
  • One plaintiff, one defendant: Yes
  • Multiple plaintiffs, one defendant: Yes, if common or undivided interest
  • Multiple defendants, one plaintiff: No
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13
Q

Is diversity reevaluated when a complaint is amended?

A

Yes, reevaluated at the time of the amendment.

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14
Q

How is diversity jurisdiction satisfied if the suit involves the death of 75 or more people?

A

Diversity is satisfied as long as one P is diverse from one D.

28 USC § 1369(a)(1)

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15
Q

Define: supplemental jurisdiction

A

Power for courts to hear a claim that does not have SMJ as long as the claim is substantially related to one for which SMJ does exist.

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16
Q

If the court has federal question jurisdiction, how do you determine whether supplemental jurisdiction exists?

A

Ask: Do the claims arise from the same transaction or occurrence? (i.e. share a “common nucleus of operative fact”?)If yes, supplemental jurisdiction likely exists

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17
Q

If the anchor claim is based on diversity, how do you determine whether supplemental jurisdiction exists?

A

Ask:
1. Do the claims arise out of the same transaction or occurrence?
If yes, proceed to question two:
2. Is P bringing the claim in order to bring in a new party pursuant to FRCP 14 (third-party plaintiff), 19 (mandatory joinder), 20 (permissive joinder), or 24 (intervention)?If yes, proceed to question three:
3. Will the new party’s presence in the lawsuit maintain diversity jurisdiction? (i.e. not destroy diversity jurisdiction)If yes, then supplemental jurisdiction exists.
Remember this exception only applies when P brings a claim that would add the new party to the suit. The rule exists to prevent P’s from skirting the requirements of diversity jurisdiction by joining parties

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18
Q

In what circumstances may a court decide not to exercise supplemental jurisdiction, even if the requirements are otherwise met?

A

When:
1. Claim raises a novel or complex issue of state law;
2. State law claim substantially predominates;
3. District court has dismissed all other claims over which it has original jurisdiction; or
4. In exceptional circumstances, if there are other compelling reasons for declining jurisdiction

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19
Q

Define: removal jurisdiction

A

Allows federal courts to hear cases that are removed from state court to federal court in the same district where the suit is pending.

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20
Q

When can a case be removed? (generally)

A

When P could have filed original complaint in federal court.

⚠️ Federal court must have federal question, diversity, or supplemental jurisdiction over all claims

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21
Q

Hypo: P files complaint based on state law. D files answer asserting federal question and seeks to remove to federal court. Should removal be allowed?

A

No, because of the well-pleaded complaint rule. Federal question jurisdiction cannot be based on the answer - must be asserted on the face of the complaint.

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22
Q

Which parties can seek to remove a case?

A

Defendants only. P’s can never seek to remove, even if the D’s filed a counterclaim.

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23
Q

When is removal based on diversity jurisidiction allowed?

A
  1. D is not a citizen of the state in which the action was filed;
  2. It is less than a year after filing; and
  3. Diversity existed at the time of filing and when the notice for removal was filed (unless P dismissed the party who would have destroyed diversity jurisdiction)
  4. Amount in controversy exceeds $75,000 (you may remove for injunction relief in some cases)
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24
Q

What are the special requirements for removal based on federal question?

A

The well-pleaded complaint rule must be satisfied (i.e. the federal question must be presented on the face of the original complaint).

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25
Q

What is the rule for removal when there are multiple D’s?

A

All D’s must agree to removal, or else case must remain in state court.

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26
Q

How does a D seek to remove and within what time frame?

A

File a notice to remove with federal court within 30 days after grounds for removal became apparent (i.e. when D was served with process)

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27
Q

If P sues multiple D’s, how long do the D’s have to remove?

A

Each D has 30 days from the date they were made aware of the grounds for removal.

28
Q

What can P do if the removal was improper?

A

Request remand to state court.

29
Q

Define: personal jurisdiction

A

Court’s power to exercise jurisdiction over parties or property in the case, limited by the Constitution or statute. Balances justice and fairness with individual rights.

30
Q

What are the 3 types of PJ?

A
  1. In personam (over person)
  2. In rem (over property)
  3. Quasi-in rem (over property not involved in suit)
31
Q

To satisfy due process for PJ, what two general things must exist?

A
  1. Minimum contacts with the state such that it does not offend traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice; and
  2. Notice
32
Q

What is the minimum contacts analysis for PJ?

A
  1. Did D purposefully avail himself of the forum (such that it was foreseeable litigation could occur)? 2. Did the injuries arise out of that purposeful availment; and 3. Would exercise of PJ violate notions of fair play and substantial justice?

Note: It is extremely rare for PJ to violate notions of fair play and substantial justice if D has minimum contacts with the state.International Shoe v. State of Washington, 326 U.S. 310 (1945)

33
Q

What constitutes purposeful availment?

A

Deliberately directing activities at the forum state (i.e. contacts are not “random,” “fortuitous,” or “attenuated”).
Examples of purposeful availment include:
* Directly soliciting business from state residents
* Entering into contracts with state residents
* Agreeing to a choice of law clause for the forum state

34
Q

Can purposeful availment be established even if D has no offices, property, or employees in the forum?

A

Yes. For example, purposeful availment can exist if D has contracted with other businesses in the state, directed advertising specifically at the state, etc.

35
Q

What factors does the court balance when determining whether PJ would violate “traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice”?

A
  1. Burden on D (primary concern);
  2. Forum state’s interest in hearing the suit;
  3. P’s interest in obtaining convenient and effective relief;
  4. State’s interest in efficient adjudication; and
  5. Furtherance of social policies
36
Q

Is putting a product into the stream of commerce sufficient to establish minimum contacts?

A

No, merely placing a product into the stream and knowing it will end up in the forum is not sufficient. D must engage in other deliberate activities in the forum (such as advertising or servicing the products).

37
Q

How do you determine whether cases involving the internet/websites have minimum contacts?

A

Look at how much interaction the resident has with the website:
1. Passive websites: no ability to transmit info, only viewable (rare for mimimum contacts to exist)
2. Interactive: resident of a state inputs info into website but doesn’t enagage in transactions (further context needed to determine whether minimum contacts exist)
3. Active: resident actively engages with website, completes transactions, inputs info, etc. (minimum contacts exist)

38
Q

Define: specific jurisdiction

A

Exists when the claim is related to D’s contacts in the forum state.

Examples include: Committing a tortious act in a state Signing a contract in a state

39
Q

Define: general jurisdiction

A

Only exists when D’s contacts with the forum state are so continuous and systematic as to render the D essentially at home.

⚠️ General jurisdiction is rare. It typically only exists for corporations in their state of incorporation or principal place of business.

40
Q

Will a court have PJ over D just because D has property in the state?

A

No, D must still have minimum contacts for PJ to exist.

41
Q

What are 3 ways a party can consent to personal jurisdiction?

A
  1. Appearance: occurs when a party appears in court without having objected to personal jurisdiction in their initial filing or appearance;
  2. Contract: a signed contract containing a choice of forum clause; and
  3. Appointment: the party is an appointed agent in the state where it is filed
42
Q

If a court has PJ over D and renders a judgment, can another state seize D’s property located in that state, even if the D doesn’t have minimum contacts in that state?

A

Yes (quasi in rem jurisdiction)

43
Q

Does a state gain PJ over a D if they are passing through to attend another judicial proceeding?

A

No, not if D is just passing through to attend a judicial proceeding. However, if D is present in the forum state and not just passing through, PJ can be exercised.

44
Q

If D is able to establish that there was no PJ due to improper service, is D entitled to have a default judgment set aside as void?

A

Yes, D can seek to have the judgment vacated.

⚠️ Note: The one year statute of limitations for motion to set aside a judgment will not apply - there is no time limit.

45
Q

What is required to satisfy due process when exercising PJ?

A

Notice (i.e. reasonably calculated steps to inform D of the action against him)

46
Q

How can process be served?

A

In the manner either:
1. Prescribed by the state court in the state where the federal suit has been filed; or
2. Prescribed by the state court in the state where D will be served; or
3. Specified in FRCP 4(e)(2) –> (A) delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint to the individual personally; (B) leaving a copy of each at the individual’s dwelling or usual place of abode with someone of suitable age and discretion who resides there; or (C) delivering a copy of each to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process.

47
Q

What are the acceptable methods of service specified in FRCP 4?

A
  1. Deliver the process to D himself wherever he may be; 2. Leave process at D’s home with someone of suitable discretion who also lives there; 3. Serve D’s registered agent; 4. Mail service to D, requesting waiver (if mailed, D gets 3 extra days to respond); or 5. Any other method prescribed by the state where the federal court is located
48
Q

What are the methods prescribed by FRCP 4(h) for service of process for a corporation?

A
  1. Serve process to an officer; 2. Serve process on a managing agent or general agent; or 3. Serve process on any other agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service (e.g. registered agent)
49
Q

What documents does D need to be served with to satisfy service of process?

A
  1. A copy of the complaint; and 2. A summons (must be signed by the court clerk and identify the parties, the court, & plaintiff’s attorney as well as when and where to appear)

⚠️ Note: If both the complaint & summons have not been served, process has not been completed.

50
Q

Who is eligible to serve process?

A

Any person who is at least 18 years old and not a party to the action.

51
Q

What is the deadline for service of process?

A

Within 90 days of filing the complaint.

52
Q

What happens if P fails to timely serve process?

A

The court, either on motion or on its own after notice to P, must dismiss the action without prejudice or order that service be made.

⚠️ Note: If P shows good cause for the failure, the court must extend the time for service for an appropriate period.FRCP 4(m)

53
Q

Does failure to file proof of service affect the validity of the service?

A

No, although proof of service is required (unless service is waived), failure to prove service does not make the service invalid.

54
Q

If new claims are filed during a lawsuit, does new process need to be served?

A

No, new service of process only needs to be served when a new party is been added to the lawsuit.

55
Q

Can P request that D waive service?

A

Yes, P can request waiver by mailing D a copy of the complaint along with 2 copies of the form for waiver of process.

56
Q

If D waives service, how long do they have to respond to the complaint?

A

60 days after the request was sent (90 days for international defendants)

FRCP 4(d)(3)⚠️ Note: If process is not waived, an answer must be filed within 21 days, absent other instruction from the court.

57
Q

Does waiver of service waive D’s right to object to PJ or venue?

58
Q

If an action is based on duties performed on behalf of the U.S. (e.g. federal marshal), how must process be served?

A

Both the individual and the U.S. needs to be served.

59
Q

Define: venue

A

Location where suit can occur (called “judicial district” in federal court)

60
Q

Where is venue proper?

A
  1. District where D resides, if all D’s are residents of the state in which the district is located; or
  2. District where a substantial portion of events giving rise to the claim occurred; or, if none of these provide basis for venue then →
  3. Any district that has PJ over any D
61
Q

If D’s reside in the same state, where is venue proper?

A

Any judicial district in which any single D resides

62
Q

If D’s reside in multiple states, where is venue proper?

A
  1. Location where a substantial part of the events occurred; or 2. Location where the disputed property is located
63
Q

For venue purposes, where do corporations reside?

A

If corporation is the defendant: any judicial district in which they are subject to personal jurisdiction.
If corporation is the plantiff: judicial district in which it maintains its principal place of business.

64
Q

Where can a party transfer venue if:
1. Original venue was proper?
2. Original venue was improper?

A
  1. Original venue proper: As long as the new district would also have proper venue, the transfer will be granted if the new district is more convenient for the suit.
  2. Original venue improper: any district where venue would be proper.
65
Q

If venue is transferred under 28 USC § 1404 (motion/consent of the parties, or convenience), the new court must apply the rules of which court?

A

The laws of the state of the transferor (original) court, including conflict of laws rules.

66
Q

What is forum non conveniens? When is it proper?

A

Gives courts the discretion to dismiss a suit when there is a more appropriate forum, even if venue was proper. Proper when:
1. Alternate forum exists; and
2. Balance of public and private factors justify dismissal