Federal Court Jurisdiction: A Comprehensive Guide for Law Students

Question 1

Which of the following is **not** a source of federal subject-matter jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

Arbitration jurisdiction

Answer

Federal question jurisdiction

Answer

Diversity jurisdiction

Answer

Supplemental jurisdiction

Question 2

The federal court's subject-matter jurisdiction is determined at the time the:

Accepted Answer

Complaint is filed.

Answer

Answer is filed.

Answer

Trial begins.

Answer

Judgment is entered.

Question 3

The exercise of federal court jurisdiction over a defendant who is not a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien is based on:

Accepted Answer

Personal jurisdiction

Answer

Subject-matter jurisdiction

Answer

Diversity jurisdiction

Answer

Removal jurisdiction

Question 4

Which of the following is **not** a factor considered by a federal court in determining whether to exercise supplemental jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

The amount in controversy.

Answer

The relationship between the federal and state claims.

Answer

The convenience and efficiency of trying the claims together.

Answer

The extent of the state court's likely interest in the state claims.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of the Erie doctrine?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that federal courts apply state law in state law cases.

Answer

To avoid federal courts interfering with state court proceedings.

Answer

To promote consistent application of law nationwide

Answer

To protect individual rights under both federal and state laws.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT an exception to the Erie doctrine?

Accepted Answer

Cases involving diversity of citizenship

Answer

Federal statutes

Answer

Federal common law

Answer

Matters involving navigable waters

Question 7

What is a consequence of the Younger abstention doctrine?

Accepted Answer

A federal court refrains from exercising jurisdiction in an ongoing state court proceeding.

Answer

A state court defers to the jurisdiction of a federal court.

Answer

The Supreme Court reviews state court decisions with greater scrutiny.

Answer

The federal government frequently intervenes in state court cases.

Question 8

Which option is NOT a potential remedy for a violation of federal court jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

Award of monetary damages

Answer

Dismissal of the case

Answer

Transfer of the case to a court with proper jurisdiction

Answer

Issuance of an injunction

Question 9

What is the minimum amount in controversy required for diversity jurisdiction in federal courts?

Accepted Answer

$75,000

Answer

$100,000

Answer

$250,000

Answer

$500,000

Question 10

What is the primary purpose of the removal statute?

Accepted Answer

To allow defendants to remove state court actions to federal court if certain criteria are met

Answer

To allow plaintiffs to remove federal court actions to state court

Answer

To consolidate multiple actions in a single federal court

Answer

To transfer jurisdiction from one federal court to another

Question 11

What is the doctrine of pendent jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

The authority of a federal court to hear state law claims that are closely related to a federal question claim being heard in the same action

Answer

The authority of a state court to hear federal question claims

Answer

The authority of a federal court to hear claims against multiple defendants

Answer

The authority of a federal court to hear claims that are outside its subject-matter jurisdiction

Question 12

What is the basis for the exercise of federal question jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

The claim arises under the Constitution, laws, or treaties of the United States

Answer

The claim is between citizens of different states

Answer

The claim involves a substantial amount of money

Answer

The claim is based on a federal statute

Question 13

What is the significance of the Erie doctrine in federal litigation?

Accepted Answer

It requires federal courts to apply state substantive law in diversity cases to ensure uniformity in the administration of justice

Answer

It requires state courts to apply federal substantive law in all cases

Answer

It allows federal courts to create new federal common law

Answer

It gives federal courts exclusive jurisdiction over all cases involving federal questions

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a basis for subject-matter jurisdiction in federal courts?

Accepted Answer

State law claims related to a federal question

Answer

Federal question

Answer

Diversity of citizenship

Answer

Bankruptcy

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT required for federal courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over a defendant?

Accepted Answer

The cause of action arose within the district

Answer

Proper service of process

Answer

The defendant is physically present within the district

Answer

The defendant has minimum contacts with the forum district

Question 16

Which of the following is the process by which a defendant can remove a case from state court to federal court?

Accepted Answer

Removal

Answer

Appeal

Answer

Certiorari

Answer

Habeas corpus

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a factor that courts consider when determining whether a defendant has sufficient minimum contacts with a district to support personal jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

The defendant's nationality

Answer

The defendant's physical presence in the district

Answer

The defendant's business activity in the district

Answer

The foreseeability of the defendant's actions causing harm in the district

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a way to establish long-arm jurisdiction over a defendant?

Accepted Answer

The defendant is a state or its political subdivision

Answer

The defendant has committed a tort in the district

Answer

The defendant has property in the district

Answer

The defendant has entered into a contract with a resident of the district

Question 19

What is the significance of ripeness in federal court jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

Ripeness prevents federal courts from adjudicating hypothetical or abstract disputes.

Answer

Ripeness requires a case to be fully developed before federal courts can exercise jurisdiction.

Answer

Ripeness is irrelevant to federal court jurisdiction.

Answer

Ripeness ensures federal courts do not interfere with ongoing state court proceedings.

Question 20

Define sovereign immunity and analyze its implications for the jurisdiction of federal courts.

Accepted Answer

Sovereign immunity protects states and certain entities from lawsuits without their consent.

Answer

Sovereign immunity only applies to foreign governments.

Answer

Federal courts have unlimited jurisdiction over all entities, regardless of sovereign immunity.

Question 21

How does judicial review empower the federal judiciary in interpreting the U.S. Constitution?

Accepted Answer

It allows federal courts to declare laws unconstitutional, limiting the powers of other government branches.

Answer

It requires federal courts to defer to state court decisions on constitutional issues.

Answer

It prevents federal courts from hearing cases involving constitutional questions.

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a recognized source of subject-matter jurisdiction for federal courts in the United States?

Accepted Answer

State common law

Answer

The United States Constitution

Answer

Federal statutes

Answer

Treaties ratified by the United States

Question 23

Which type of action is eligible for removal from a state court to a federal court?

Accepted Answer

A civil action arising under federal law.

Answer

A criminal prosecution.

Answer

A family law matter involving divorce or child custody.

Answer

An action to probate a will.

Question 24

Which of the following is an example of a case that would fall under the federal question jurisdiction of federal courts in the United States?

Accepted Answer

A lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a federal statute.

Answer

A contract dispute between two private parties.

Answer

A prosecution for murder under state law.

Answer

An action for defamation under state law.

Question 25

The doctrine of pendent jurisdiction allows federal courts to hear:

Accepted Answer

State law claims that are closely related to a federal claim being heard in the same case.

Answer

State law claims that are unrelated to any federal claim in the case.

Answer

State law claims that are time-barred under state law.

Answer

State law claims that are frivolous or without merit.

Question 26

Which of the following is not a requirement for federal subject-matter jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

The case involves diversity of citizenship between the parties.

Answer

The case arises under federal law.

Answer

The case involves a substantial federal question.

Answer

The amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.

Question 27

According to the Erie Doctrine, federal courts must:

Accepted Answer

Apply state law to all cases involving substantive state law.

Answer

Apply federal law to all cases before them.

Answer

Apply state law to cases involving diversity of citizenship.

Answer

Apply federal law to all cases involving procedural state law.

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a basis for federal court jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

Venue

Answer

Diversity of citizenship

Answer

Federal question

Answer

Removal

Question 29

How does federal question removal differ from diversity removal in terms of the citizenship requirements for the parties involved?

Accepted Answer

Federal question removal does not require complete diversity, while diversity removal does.

Answer

Both require complete diversity, meaning no party on one side can share the same citizenship as any party on the other side.

Answer

Both require the presence of a federal question, which arises under the Constitution, laws, or treaties of the United States.

Answer

Neither requires any specific citizenship requirements for the parties involved.

Question 30

For a federal court to have personal jurisdiction over a defendant, which of the following must occur?

Accepted Answer

The defendant must be served with process within the forum state or consent to the court's jurisdiction.

Answer

The defendant must have a substantial connection to the forum state.

Answer

The defendant must reside in the forum state.

Question 31

The doctrine of forum non conveniens enables a federal court to:

Accepted Answer

Transfer a case to a different federal district court or dismiss it if a more appropriate forum exists elsewhere.

Answer

Award sanctions against a party for filing a frivolous lawsuit.

Question 32

Which of the following constitutional amendments limits the jurisdiction of federal courts?

Accepted Answer

Eleventh Amendment

Answer

Due Process Clause

Answer

Commerce Clause

Answer

Supremacy Clause

Question 33

The primary factor in determining a federal court's subject-matter jurisdiction is:

Accepted Answer

The nature of the claim or cause of action.

Answer

The amount in controversy

Answer

The citizenship of the parties

Answer

The forum in which the suit is filed

Question 34

Which type of claim confers subject-matter jurisdiction on federal courts?

Accepted Answer

A claim that arises under federal law, including the Constitution, federal statutes, or treaties.

Answer

A claim that arises under common law

Answer

A claim that arises under state law

Answer

A claim that arises under international law

Question 35

The doctrine of pendent jurisdiction allows a federal court to hear:

Accepted Answer

Additional state law claims that are closely related to a federal claim being heard by the court.

Answer

State law claims that are unrelated to any federal claim in the case.

Question 36

For a federal court to exercise diversity jurisdiction, which of the following requirements must be met?

Accepted Answer

Complete diversity of citizenship between the parties and the amount in controversy must exceed $75,000.

Answer

The federal claim must arise under a federal question

Answer

Minimal diversity of citizenship between the parties

Question 37

The landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review is:

Accepted Answer

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Answer

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Answer

Cohens v. Virginia (1821)

Answer

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Question 38

The doctrine of forum non conveniens allows a court to:

Accepted Answer

Transfer an action to a more convenient forum where the action may be more appropriately adjudicated

Answer

Stay an action pending the outcome of another action

Answer

Dismiss an action for lack of jurisdiction

Answer

Enjoin an action from proceeding in another court

Question 39

Which of the following is an exception to the general rule that federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over federal questions?

Accepted Answer

The well-pleaded complaint rule

Answer

The implied right of action doctrine

Answer

The Supremacy Clause

Answer

The federal question removal statute

Question 40

The Erie doctrine requires federal courts to apply:

Accepted Answer

State law to state law claims, even in federal court

Answer

The same law that a state court would apply

Answer

The law of the forum state

Answer

Federal law to federal law claims

Question 41

Which of the following is NOT a basis for subject-matter jurisdiction in federal courts?

Accepted Answer

Probate matters

Answer

Supplemental jurisdiction

Answer

Diversity jurisdiction

Answer

Admiralty jurisdiction

Question 42

Which of the following is a basis for removal jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

Case arises under federal law

Answer

Defendant is a foreign citizen

Answer

Plaintiff brings a claim under state law

Answer

Amount in controversy is less than $75,000

Question 43

The doctrine of forum non conveniens allows a federal court to:

Accepted Answer

Transfer a case to a more convenient forum

Answer

Dismiss a case for lack of jurisdiction

Answer

Enter a default judgment against the defendant

Answer

Award attorney's fees to the prevailing party

Question 44

Which of the following is a factor that federal courts consider when determining whether to exercise pendent jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

Judicial economy

Answer

Statute of limitations

Answer

Venue

Answer

Amount in controversy

Question 45

A federal court has exclusive jurisdiction over:

Accepted Answer

Bankruptcy

Answer

Contract disputes

Answer

Tort actions

Question 46

The Erie doctrine requires federal courts to apply:

Accepted Answer

State law in diversity cases

Answer

The law of the forum state in all cases

Answer

Federal law in all cases

Answer

Common law in all cases

Question 47

The doctrine of ripeness prevents federal courts from adjudicating:

Accepted Answer

Issues that are not yet ripe for decision

Answer

Cases that are moot

Answer

Cases that lack standing

Answer

Cases that involve political questions

Question 48

A plaintiff files a lawsuit in federal court claiming that their employer violated the Fair Labor Standards Act. What type of federal court jurisdiction is this case likely based on?

Accepted Answer

Federal question jurisdiction

Answer

Removal jurisdiction

Answer

Diversity jurisdiction

Answer

Supplemental jurisdiction

Question 49

A resident of California sues a resident of Nevada for $100,000 in damages due to a breach of contract. Can this case be heard in federal court?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the parties are from different states and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000, it can be heard under diversity jurisdiction.

Answer

No, the case does not involve a federal question.

Answer

No, the amount in controversy is too low.

Answer

No, the parties are not from the same state.

Question 50

A lawsuit is initially filed in state court, alleging a violation of federal law. The defendant then moves the case to federal court. What type of jurisdiction is being exercised in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Removal jurisdiction

Answer

Original jurisdiction

Answer

Concurrent jurisdiction

Answer

Appellate jurisdiction

Question 51

A plaintiff files a lawsuit in federal court based on diversity jurisdiction. The plaintiff later adds a claim alleging a violation of federal law. Can the federal court also hear this new claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the court may exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the added federal claim if it arises from the same common nucleus of operative facts as the original diversity claim.

Answer

No, the plaintiff must file a separate lawsuit for the federal claim.

Answer

No, the court only has jurisdiction over the original diversity claim.

Answer

No, the court must dismiss the entire case.

Question 52

A defendant resides in Texas. A plaintiff sues the defendant in a federal court in California, claiming the defendant's actions caused harm in California. Can the California court exercise personal jurisdiction over the defendant?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, depending on the defendant's contacts with California. The court must determine if the defendant has sufficient minimum contacts with California, such as engaging in business activities or causing harm within the state.

Answer

No, the court lacks personal jurisdiction because the defendant does not reside in California.

Answer

Yes, the court has personal jurisdiction because the plaintiff was harmed in California.

Question 53

Two corporations, both incorporated in Delaware, have their primary places of business in different states. Can a federal court exercise diversity jurisdiction in a dispute between them?

Accepted Answer

No, the corporations are considered citizens of the same state (Delaware) for diversity jurisdiction purposes, regardless of their principal places of business.

Answer

Yes, the corporations are incorporated in different states.

Answer

Yes, the corporations have their principal places of business in different states.

Question 54

A lawsuit is filed in state court, but the defendant believes it should be heard in federal court. What steps can the defendant take to move the case to federal court?

Accepted Answer

The defendant can file a notice of removal, moving the case from state court to federal court, if the case meets the requirements for federal jurisdiction.

Answer

Appeal the case to a higher state court.

Answer

File a counterclaim in state court.

Answer

File a motion to dismiss in state court.

Question 55

A federal statute grants exclusive jurisdiction over a specific type of claim to federal courts. What does this mean for state courts?

Accepted Answer

State courts are prohibited from hearing claims of this type; they are exclusively within the jurisdiction of federal courts.

Answer

State courts have primary jurisdiction over these claims.

Answer

State courts can hear these claims only with the permission of a federal court.

Answer

State courts can hear the claims concurrently with federal courts.

Question 56

A plaintiff files a lawsuit in federal court, alleging a violation of the United States Constitution. What type of jurisdiction is this?

Accepted Answer

Federal question jurisdiction

Answer

Diversity jurisdiction

Answer

Supplemental jurisdiction

Answer

Removal jurisdiction

Question 57

A plaintiff files a lawsuit in federal court, including a claim under state law and a separate claim under federal law. What is the most likely outcome regarding the state law claim?

Accepted Answer

The federal court may exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the state law claim if it shares a common nucleus of operative fact with the federal claim.

Answer

The state law claim will be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.

Answer

The state law claim will be transferred to a state court.