Subject Matter Jurisdiction Flashcards
To hear a case, a federal court must have what types of jurisdiction?
- SMJ and
- PJ
What are the types of federal subject matter jurisdiction?
- Federal Question
- Diversity
- Supplemental
- Removal
Subject Matter Jurisdiction
Courts power over subject matter of suit
- Fed. Ct. is court of limited jurisdiction,
- case must fall within express stated category of Article III.
- (I) Fed Q or (2) Diversity
Federal Question Jurisdiction - Elements
- A well pleaded complaint AND
- Federal Question is in dispute
Federal Question - Well Plead Complaint Rule
What one would naturally & appropriately plead in complaint
- Consider only elements of the claim, NOT anticipatory defenses based on federal law
- Don’t consider answers or counterclaims
- Not State Laws incorporating Federal Std. - Arises under state law not Fed. Law
Exclusive Federal Question Jurisdiction
Arise under Copyright Act & Patent Act
Diversity of Citizenship Jurisdiction
∏ must show:
(1) complete diversity of citizenship &
(2) AIC satisfied (exceeds $75 K)
What is complete Diversity ?
No P and D are citizens of the same state
- Diversity is determined by where P is domiciled at the commencement of the suit (Day action filed)
Citizenship of Individuals
Domicile (Can Only have 1 - True, fixed, perm. home), not residence
Elements
- Physical Presence in state, and
- Intent to remain for indefinite future - determined by subj. intent of person
- Court considers voting, car registration, paying of taxes, family, etc.
Citizenship of Corporations
Citizen where (Can have more then 1):
- State of incorporation, and
- Principal Place of Business (Nerve Center) - Where officers conduct executive decisions
Citizenship of Unincorporated Associations
Citizenship of every individual member
Citizenship - Representative Actions
Historically - Citizenship of the Representative
- Minors, Incompetents & Decedents - Citizenship of the Represented Party NOT representative
- Class Action - Citizenship of the named members of the class
Citizenship of US citizen domiciled abroad
Can’t be sued/sue under Div. Juris. of Fed. Ct. MUST be heard in state court
Citizenship of Permanent Resident Alien
Citizen of state where domiciled
Alienage Jurisdiction
Ct has diversity jurisdiction between citizen & Alien NOT b/w 2 aliens