Civil Procedure: Jurisdiction and Venue Basics

Court’s power over the type of case (federal question or diversity, etc.). Cannot be waived.

Civil actions arising under the Constitution, laws, or treaties of the United States (well-pleaded complaint).

Complete diversity of citizenship + amount in controversy > $75,000.

Court’s power over the defendant — must satisfy a long-arm statute and due process (minimum contacts / fair play).

General: defendant “at home” — any claim. Specific: claim arises out of/relates to defendant’s forum contacts.

Which federal district is a proper geographic place for trial (residence, events, property, fallback).

If the federal court would have had original SMJ; with timing/forum-defendant limits for diversity removal.

A civil action otherwise removable solely on diversity may not be removed if any properly joined/served defendant is a citizen of the forum state.

In diversity cases, federal courts apply state substantive law and federal procedural law (with twin aims analysis for gray zones).

Federal court may hear related claims forming part of the same case/controversy; diversity has special limits on plaintiff claims against nondiverse parties.

Giving defendant formal notice of the suit in a manner authorized by rule/statute — needed for PJ in most cases.

No. SMJ cannot be created by consent or waiver; court must dismiss if lacking.