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What is the definition of subject matter jurisdiction of federal courts?
Linfin
"Subject matter jurisdiction" is the authority of a court to hear cases of a particular type. For Federal Courts, subject matter jurisdiction is limited by Article III, section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, and codified in 28 U.S.C §§ 1331-1332.
Federal courts have subject matter jurisdiction (the authority to hear a case) in two situations:
- First, there is "Federal Question Jurisdiction." This means that cases necessarily turning on "federal questions," like the interpretation of a Federal Law or the U.S. Constitution, may be decided by Federal Courts.
- If there is no "Federal Question," a Federal Court may still hear the case if there is "Diversity Jurisdiction." To have "diversity jurisdiction," there must be diversity of citizenship (which means that the two parties are residents of different states -- no plaintiff can be a citizen of the same state as any defendant), and the amount in controversy must EXCEED $75,000.
Subject Matter Jurisdiction in criminal cases always comes under the "federal question" prong: these are violations of the United States Criminal Code. 18 § U.S.C. 3231 applies.
You cannot waive the requirements of subject matter jurisdiction. Rather, these are Constitutional safeguards, ensuring that the federal courts do not gain too much power. The diversity jurisdiction enabling law, however, is particularly helpful for foreign Plaintiffs or Defendants who are afraid of a state judge and jury bias.
Subject Matter Jurisdiction Examples:
A Plaintiff could not bring a suit in federal court if they were asking for $50,000 in damages for negligent driving (this is a tort, which is governed by state law, and there is no "federal question"). However, if the Plaintiff is seeking $100,000 in damages for negligent driving, and the Defendant is from a different state, it would be possible for this Plaintiff to file suit in federal court.
Alternatively, a Plaintiff could sue her employer for merely $100 in federal court if she alleges that her employer discriminated against her and violated Title VII in the United States Code, the Civil Rights Act, or the 14th Amendment, which are all Federal Laws.
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What are the 3 types of cases where the federal courts have jurisdiction over cases involving subject matter?
Federal courts have subject matter jurisdiction over all matters involving federal law.
How do federal district courts and federal appeals courts?
Federal district courts have jurisdiction over trials. Federal appeals courts have jurisdiction over appeals from the federal district courts.
How do federal appeals courts and district courts differ?
Federal district courts have jurisdiction over trials. Federal appeals courts have jurisdiction over appeals from the federal district courts.
How do federal courts district court and federal appeals court?
Federal district courts have jurisdiction over trials. Federal appeals courts have jurisdiction over appeals from the federal district courts.
How do federal district courts and court of appeals differ?
Federal district courts have jurisdiction over trials. Federal appeals courts have jurisdiction over appeals from the federal district courts.
What has the author Howard P Fink written?
Howard P. Fink has written: 'Federal jurisdiction' -- subject(s): Cases, Courts, Jurisdiction 'Federal jurisdiction policy and practice'
How many kinds of lower federal courts are there?
Two. The United States Courts of Appeal, and the United States District Courts. Military courts are federal courts of specific subject-matter and personal jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction of the federal courts do not include civil cases?
Federal courts of general jurisdiction (US District Courts, etc.) handle both civil and criminal cases.
What kind of jurisdiction does a federal district court have A federal Court of Appeals?
Federal District Courts have jurisdiction over all federal cases occurring/originating within their circuit. US Courts of Appeal have jurisdiction over all cases referred to them from the District Courts within their circuit.
How does the constitution limit the power of the federal courts?
article 3 of the constitution gives federal courts jurisdiction.
What has the author William A Maury written?
William A. Maury has written: 'The collections and recollections of William A. Maury' 'Federal jurisdiction and procedure' -- subject(s): Courts, Jurisdiction
What are the court systems?
They are general jurisdiction and federal courts.
