Also known as:supplements · supplemented · supplementing · supplemental · supplementation
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
3 senses
1
in civil procedure
A doctrine that permits a federal district court with original jurisdiction over one claim to exercise jurisdiction over additional related claims that form part of the same case or controversy under Article III. The doctrine applies when the related claims share a common nucleus of operative fact with the anchor claim and when exercising jurisdiction does not violate statutory limits such as those in diversity cases.
2
in contract law
Evidence or additional terms that explain, clarify, or add consistent provisions to a writing intended as a final expression of the parties' agreement. Such evidence is admissible unless the writing is completely integrated and the additional term would contradict it.
3
in probate law
An additional amount payable to a surviving spouse when the elective-share amount calculated from the augmented estate falls below a statutory minimum. The supplemental amount is determined after applying the elective share and is satisfied from designated portions of the estate in a prescribed order.
Each sense below has its own examples, sources, and questions.
Sense 1
1
in civil procedure
A doctrine that permits a federal district court with original jurisdiction over one claim to exercise jurisdiction over additional related claims that form part of the same case or controversy under Article III. The doctrine applies when the related claims share a common nucleus of operative fact with the anchor claim and when exercising jurisdiction does not violate statutory limits such as those in diversity cases.
Examples3
Diversity Claim With Related State Claim
Sarah Sullivan, a citizen of State A, sues Summit Bank, a citizen of State B, in federal court for $90,000 on a contract claim that meets the amount-in-controversy requirement. She also asserts a related state-law tort claim for $40,000 arising from the same loan transaction. The court exercises supplemental jurisdiction over the tort claim because it shares a common nucleus of operative fact with the contract claim and does not destroy complete diversity.
Federal Question With Pendent State Claim
Steven Silva sues Starlight Media in federal court alleging federal copyright infringement over unauthorized use of his photographs. He adds a state-law unfair-competition claim based on the same photographs and submissions to a client. The court exercises supplemental jurisdiction over the state claim because both claims arise from the same set of facts and form part of the same case or controversy.
Diversity Anchor With Impleaded Party Claim
Santiago Sanchez, a citizen of State A, sues a diverse defendant for $120,000 in federal court. The defendant impleads a third-party defendant under Rule 14. Santiago then asserts a direct state-law claim against the third-party defendant arising from the same construction project. The court exercises supplemental jurisdiction because the claim shares a common nucleus of operative fact with the original diversity action.
Frequently Asked2
When may a federal court decline supplemental jurisdiction under § 1367(c)?+
A district court may decline supplemental jurisdiction when the claim raises a novel or complex issue of state law, when the state claim substantially predominates over the federal claim, when all claims supporting original jurisdiction have been dismissed, or when there are other compelling reasons. The decision is discretionary and guided by considerations of comity, fairness, and judicial economy.
What is the constitutional test for exercising supplemental jurisdiction?+
Supplemental jurisdiction exists when the additional claim and the anchor claim derive from a common nucleus of operative fact such that the plaintiff would ordinarily be expected to try them in one proceeding. This standard ensures the claims form part of the same Article III case or controversy.
Sense 2
2
in contract law
Evidence or additional terms that explain, clarify, or add consistent provisions to a writing intended as a final expression of the parties' agreement. Such evidence is admissible unless the writing is completely integrated and the additional term would contradict it.
Examples2
Consistent Trade Usage Added To Writing
Seth Shapiro contracts with Sierra Solutions to supply custom software. The signed writing states a fixed price but is silent on delivery method. Evidence of the parties' prior course of dealing shows that Sierra always ships by overnight courier at no extra charge. The court admits the evidence to supplement the writing because the term is consistent with the integrated agreement.
Consistent Additional Term In Integrated Contract
Sasha Stone sells equipment to Sterling Dynamics under a signed writing that appears complete. Evidence shows the parties separately agreed that the seller would provide free maintenance for one year. Because the additional term is consistent and was agreed for separate consideration, the court admits it to supplement the integrated agreement.
Frequently Asked1
Does the parol evidence rule bar evidence offered to supplement an integrated writing?+
The parol evidence rule bars evidence of prior or contemporaneous agreements that contradict a completely integrated writing. Consistent additional terms may still be admitted to supplement the writing unless the court finds the agreement was completely integrated. Course of performance, course of dealing, and usage of trade may also supplement the agreement.
Sense 3
3
in probate law
An additional amount payable to a surviving spouse when the elective-share amount calculated from the augmented estate falls below a statutory minimum. The supplemental amount is determined after applying the elective share and is satisfied from designated portions of the estate in a prescribed order.
Examples1
Supplemental Elective Share Calculation
Selena Singh's husband dies leaving an augmented estate that yields an elective share of $60,000 for her. Because that amount is less than the statutory minimum of $75,000, the court awards Selena a supplemental elective-share amount of $15,000 to be satisfied from the net probate estate and nonprobate transfers in the priority order set by statute.
Frequently Asked1
How is the supplemental elective-share amount calculated and satisfied?+
When the elective-share amount is less than the statutory minimum, the surviving spouse receives a supplemental amount equal to the difference. The supplemental amount is satisfied first from the decedent's net probate estate and designated nonprobate transfers in the priority order set by statute, with liability apportioned among recipients in proportion to the value of their interests.
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Constitutional LawThe relation of nation and states in a federal system · Intergovernmental immunitiesUBEIntermediate