Also known as: limited jurisdictions · special jurisdiction · inferior jurisdiction
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A court's power to adjudicate only those cases falling within categories expressly authorized by constitution or statute. Federal courts exemplify the category because their authority derives solely from Article III and implementing legislation rather than from any general reservoir of judicial power.
Lakeshore Industries holds a mortgage on property in a state that permits strict foreclosure. After default the mortgagee petitions the court to vest title directly without a sale. The court grants the request because the state's foreclosure statute authorizes strict foreclosure only in that limited jurisdiction.
Clear Plastics sues Atlantic Production in federal court on diversity grounds. After settlement the remaining claims involve only non-diverse parties and fall below the amount-in-controversy threshold. The district court dismisses because federal courts possess limited jurisdiction that cannot be retained once the original anchor claim disappears.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Dred Scott files suit in federal circuit court asserting diversity. The defendant objects that the court lacks authority over the subject matter. The Supreme Court examines the limited jurisdiction of federal courts and holds that the plea must be considered even after later pleadings.
A civilian dependent is tried by court-martial overseas for a capital offense. She petitions for habeas corpus in federal district court. The Supreme Court holds that the limited jurisdiction of federal courts does not extend to reviewing the military proceeding under the circumstances presented.
A former spouse seeks damages in federal court for alleged tortious interference with custody rights. The defendant moves to dismiss. The district court grants the motion because federal courts of limited jurisdiction do not entertain actions falling within the domestic-relations exception to diversity jurisdiction.
A defendant appears in federal court and litigates for months before challenging personal jurisdiction. The plaintiff argues waiver occurred. The Supreme Court notes that federal courts of limited jurisdiction may examine whether the appearance truly conferred authority over the defendant.
Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction. They possess only the power authorized by the Constitution and statutes. Rule 12(h)(3) therefore requires dismissal whenever jurisdiction is found wanting, regardless of the stage of the proceedings.
The exception is a statutory construction of the diversity grant. It bars federal courts from entertaining actions for divorce, alimony, or child custody even when diversity and amount requirements appear satisfied. Other claims arising from the same facts may still proceed if they fall outside the exception.
No. The assignment creates an exclusive grant of subject-matter jurisdiction. An attempt by a court lacking that statutory authority renders any resulting decree void for want of jurisdiction.
The well-pleaded-complaint rule prevents removal. A federal issue that appears only because the plaintiff anticipates a defense does not confer federal-question jurisdiction on a court of limited jurisdiction.
…F. 3d 631 (CA10 1998). II A The district courts of the United States, as we have said many times, are "courts of limited jurisdiction. They possess only that power authorized by Constitution and statute," Kokkonen v. Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America , 511 U. S. 375, 377 (1994). In order to provide a federal forum for…