Federal Court Jurisdiction

“Federal Question” cases in which the rights or obligations of a party are created or defined by some federal law.

“Diversity” cases where:

The parties are not from the same state, and,

The amount in controversy is greater than $75,000.

Exclusive vs. Concurrent Jurisdiction

Exclusive: only one court (state or federal) has the power (jurisdiction) to hear the case.

Concurrent: more than one court can hear the case.