Federal Jurisdiction

Question 1

When does Supreme Court have original jurisdiction?

Answer 1

The SC has original jurisdiction over cases involving foreign diplomates and states

Question 2

Can Congress change the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

What power does congress have over lower courts?

Answer 3

Congress can do whatever it wants to lower courts, including changing jurisdiction, eliminating or creating courts

Question 4

What is Congress’s power over the Supreme Court

Answer 4

Unclear, but Congress cannot take cases from appellate jurisdictions and move it to original jurisdiction

Question 5

What are the limitations of federal court jurisdiction?

Answer 5

Under Art. III Sec. 2, the jurisdiction of federal courts is limited to:
1. law-based jurisdiction
2. party-based jurisdiction

Question 6

What is law-based jurisdiction under Art. III Sec. 2

Answer 6

Law based jurisdiction is cases arising under:
1. the Constitution
2. federal law
3. admiralty and maritime jurisdiction

Question 7

What is party-based jurisdiction?

Answer 7

1. controversies to which the US is a party
2. controversies between two or more states
   3, cases between a state and citizens of another state
3. cases between citizens of different states and the amount in controversy is over $75K
4. Cases affecting ambassadors and consuls

Question 8

What is required by 11th A?

Answer 8

The 11th A prohibits private individuals from suing states for money damages in any court, with limited exceptions

Question 9

What are exceptions to 11th A?

Answer 9

11th A prohibits private individuals from suing states for money damages in any court, except:
1. federal suits brought by one state against another state or suits brought by the federal government against a state
2. lawsuits against subdivisions of a state
3. most lawsuits for injunctions
4. when the state consents to a suit
5. congress authorizes money damages against states for violations of the 13th, 14th and 15th A