Subject Matter Jursidction

Question 1

When does a federal court have federal question jurisdiction over a state law claim?

Answer 1

A federal district court does not have federal question jurisdiction over a cause of action arising under state law unless the court determines that the interpretation or application of state law may affect the outcome and the federal issue or interest is important enough to justify the exercise of jurisdiction. In order for federal question jurisdiction to exist when the cause of action is based in state law, the court must determine whether the state-law claim necessarily stated a substantial and disputed federal issue that a federal court could adjudicate without disturbing the balance of federal and state judicial responsibilities.