Identify the criteria that determine whether a case is within the jurisdiction of a federal court, and compare the types of federal court jurisdiction.

Federal Court Jurisdiction

The authority of a federal court to hear a case, its so-called "jurisdiction," is limited by the constitution to certain subject matters and parties.

Subject Matter

Federal Court Jurisdiction is often involves cases involving "federal questions," - the interpretation of a provision in the Constitution and application of any federal law or treaty, or a question of admiralty or maritime law, or cases between certain parties.

Parties

A case also falls within Federal Court Jurisdiction if the case involves

(1) the United States or one of its officers or agencies

(2) an ambassador, consul, or other official representative of a foreign government

(3) one of the 50 states suing another state, a resident of another state, or a foreign government or one of its subjects

(4) a citizen of one State suing a citizen of another State

(5) an American citizen suing a foreign government or one of its subjects

(6) a citizen of a State suing another citizen of the same State where both claim title to land under grants from different States