Federal Question Jurisdiction Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is required for claims to be aggregated when multiple parties are involved?

Claims can only be aggregated if they involve a single title or right which the parties have a common and undivided interest.

What is the significance of Article III, Section 2 in determining federal subject matter jurisdiction?

Article III, Section 2 establishes the federal courts' jurisdiction over cases arising under federal law and diversity of citizenship, ensuring that federal questions or citizens from different states can be adjudicated at the federal level.

Explain the complete diversity requirement under 1332.

Complete diversity requires that no plaintiff is from the same state as any defendant, including considerations of foreign nationals.

Explain the concept of the 'Potential Federal Ingredient Test' in relation to subject matter jurisdiction.

<p>The Potential Federal Ingredient Test holds that a case arises under federal law if the original claim implicitly includes a federal law element, regardless of its active role in the case.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the criteria for determining the citizenship of a natural person in diversity jurisdiction?

<p>Citizenship is determined by the person's domicile, which includes physical presence and intent to stay indefinitely in the new state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four elements of the Essential Federal Ingredient Test (EFI) established in Gunn?

<p>The four elements of the EFI are: (1) a federal law issue necessarily raised, (2) an actual dispute over that federal issue, (3) the issue must be substantial, and (4) the federal court's involvement must not disrupt the balance between federal and state court responsibilities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'nerve center' test for corporate citizenship?

<p>The 'nerve center' test determines corporate citizenship based on where the corporation is directed and controlled, typically the corporate headquarters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the citizenship of an unincorporated partnership determined for diversity purposes?

<p>The citizenship is determined by the state or country of residence of each partner at the time of filing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the 'good faith test' regarding the amount in controversy for diversity jurisdiction.

<p>The good faith test assesses whether a plaintiff's claim for damages is made in good faith, using both objective (reasonable person’s perspective) and subjective (plaintiff’s actual knowledge) evaluations to establish if the claim meets the $75,000 threshold.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of a direct attack on subject matter jurisdiction?

<p>A direct attack can be made at any time before the completion of the appellate process, allowing any party or the court itself to raise the issue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relevance of 'complete diversity' according to the Strawbridge case?

<p>Complete diversity requires that all plaintiffs must be from different states than all defendants at the time the suit was filed, which is essential for establishing diversity jurisdiction under §1332.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When must a lack of subject matter jurisdiction be challenged in federal court?

<p>It must be raised any time before final judgment, and if such a lack is established, the case must be remanded to state court.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'Legal Certainty Test' impact the determination of the amount in controversy?

<p>The Legal Certainty Test serves to determine if it is legally certain that a plaintiff cannot recover more than the jurisdictional minimum of $75,000, thereby affecting whether a case remains in federal court.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can multiple claims be aggregated to meet the amount in controversy requirement?

<p>Multiple claims can be aggregated when one plaintiff's claims against one defendant are combined to exceed the $75,000 minimum amount in controversy for diversity jurisdiction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors might indicate a change in domicile for a natural person?

<p>Factors include physical presence in the new state, forming the intent to stay, and maintaining civil rights, property, taxes, and memberships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'minimal diversity' as discussed in the context of subject matter jurisdiction?

<p>Minimal diversity allows for jurisdiction if any plaintiff is from a different state than any defendant, failing to require complete diversity and broadening federal jurisdiction under §1332.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are collateral attacks on federal district court judgments limited?

<p>Collateral attacks are limited due to strong policies against undermining federal court authority to avoid creating instability in legal judgments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can an alien be treated in terms of citizenship for diversity?

<p>An alien can be treated as a foreign citizen or a permanent resident of the state they reside in to eliminate diversity where applicable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Federal Question Jurisdiction

Federal courts have the power to hear cases involving the US Constitution, laws, or treaties.

Article III, Section 2

Part of the US Constitution defining the power of federal courts and outlining Federal Question jurisdiction

Diversity Jurisdiction

Federal courts can hear cases between citizens of different states, meeting the diversity requirement.

Amount in Controversy

In diversity cases, the amount sought by the plaintiff must exceed $75,000.

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Complete Diversity

In diversity cases, all plaintiffs must be from different states than all defendants.

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Aggregation of Claims

Combining multiple claims by one plaintiff against one defendant to meet the amount in controversy requirement.

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Federal Ingredient Test

A federal issue must exist in the lawsuit, even if it's not central to the case.

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Essential Federal Ingredient Test (EFI)

In order for a federal court to hear a case, it must meet specific standards (Gunn, Smith, and Grable cases)

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Joint Claim

A claim involving multiple parties with a shared interest in the same title or right. Total value is used.

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Domicile (Natural Person)

A person's legal home, established by physical presence and intent to stay permanently.

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Citizenship (Corporation)

Determined by state of incorporation and principal place of business (Nerve Center).

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Nerve Center Test

The place where a corporation's highest management directs, controls, and coordinates corporate activity; usually corporate headquarters.

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Unincorporated Partnership

Determined by the state of residence of any member at the time of filing the lawsuit

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Alien (Citizenship)

Classified as either a foreign citizen, or as a permanent resident of the state of which they live, to ensure party diversity.

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Subject Matter Jurisdiction

Federal court's authority to hear a particular type of case.

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Study Notes

Subject Matter Jurisdiction

  • Federal courts have a duty to assess their own jurisdiction in every case (FRCP 12(h)(3)).

Federal Question Jurisdiction (§1331)

  • Article III, Section 2: A case "arises under" federal law if the initial claim involves a federal ingredient, even if it's not central to the current dispute (Osborn).

  • 28 U.S.C. §1331: District courts have original jurisdiction over civil cases arising under the Constitution, laws, or treaties of the U.S.

  • Creation Test (American Well Works): A federal statute directly creates the cause of action (e.g., Title IX, Sherman Antitrust Act).

  • Essential Federal Ingredient Test (EFI) (Gunn, Smith): A "side door" approach with four elements (Grable):

    • The case necessarily raises a federal law issue.
    • The federal law issue is actually disputed.
    • The federal law issue is substantial.
    • Hearing the state law claims wouldn't disrupt the balance of federal/state court powers.

Diversity Jurisdiction (§1332)

  • Article III, Section 2: Minimal diversity is sufficient (State Farm). The amount in controversy is irrelevant.

  • 28 U.S.C. §1332 (Amount in Controversy): Must exceed $75,000 (Coventry Sewage).

    • St. Paul Mercury Test: "Good faith" assessment of the amount recoverable (objective and subjective). Legal certainty test used to assess amount. -Objective: A reasonable person's understanding of the potential recovery. -subjective: The plaintiff's actual belief about the potential recovery.
    • Aggregation: Adding claims to reach the $75,000 threshold.
      • Plaintiff's claims against a single defendant can be aggregated. -Multiple parties must have a common title or undivided interest for aggregation.

  • Complete Diversity (Strawbridge): No plaintiff and defendant can be from the same state.

  • Determining Citizenship:

    • Natural Persons: Domicile at the time of filing the suit. To prove change: physical presence in a new state and the intent to stay indefinitely.
    • Corporations (1332(c)(1)): Determined using the Nerve Center test. The place where the corporation is directed and controlled (usually corporate headquarters).
    • Unincorporated Partnerships: Citizenship of any partner at the time of filing (Grupo v. Dataflux). Full party removal to fix diversity; not a member as per Grupo (Caterpillar).
    • Aliens (Eze): Treated as a foreign citizen or resident depending on the situation.

Challenging Subject Matter Jurisdiction

  • Direct Attack:
    • Possible at any time before the appellate process is complete.
    • Can be raised in federal district court by motion to dismiss (Rule 12(b)(1)).
    • In federal court, SMJ deficiencies may be challenged at any time before final judgment in federal court (Grupo)
    • In cases filed in state court that are later removed to federal court, SMJ challenges must be presented to the federal court.
  • Collateral Attack:
    • Generally not permitted in federal courts (Chicot County Drainage District).
    • State courts may have a bit more flexibility on this matter (Kalb).

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Description

Test your understanding of federal question jurisdiction and subject matter jurisdiction in federal courts. This quiz covers key concepts from Article III and 28 U.S.C. §1331, including various tests for jurisdiction. Perfect for law students familiar with these critical legal principles.

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