28 U.S.C. § 1331

Definition

28 U.S.C. § 1331 is a statute that provides federal courts with original jurisdiction over civil actions arising under the Constitution, laws, or treaties of the United States. This means that if a case involves a federal question, it can be filed in federal court rather than state court. Understanding this statute is crucial for determining whether a federal court can hear a case based on the issues at hand and plays a significant role in both the initiation of lawsuits and the processes for removing cases from state to federal courts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 28 U.S.C. § 1331 specifically grants jurisdiction for cases involving federal questions, which includes issues like constitutional rights, federal statutes, and treaties.
2. A plaintiff's claim must necessarily raise a federal issue for § 1331 jurisdiction to apply; it can't be solely about state law or local matters.
3. The presence of a federal question allows defendants the option to remove cases to federal court if originally filed in state court, expanding the scope of cases that can be heard at the federal level.
4. Federal courts will not exercise jurisdiction over cases purely based on state law claims unless there is an accompanying federal question.
5. Jurisdiction under § 1331 is not dependent on the parties' citizenship; it focuses solely on whether the case involves a substantial question of federal law.

Review Questions

• How does 28 U.S.C. § 1331 establish the grounds for federal question jurisdiction in civil cases?
  • 28 U.S.C. § 1331 establishes grounds for federal question jurisdiction by allowing federal courts to hear civil actions that arise under the Constitution, laws, or treaties of the United States. This means if a legal issue pertains to federal law or constitutional matters, it qualifies for consideration in a federal court. Understanding this helps to determine whether a case is properly filed in state or federal court based on its subject matter.
• Discuss how the concept of removal relates to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and provide an example where this might apply.
  • Removal relates to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 by allowing defendants to transfer cases from state court to federal court when there is a basis for federal question jurisdiction. For example, if a plaintiff files a lawsuit in state court alleging violations of their constitutional rights, the defendant can seek removal to federal court under § 1331 since the case involves a significant issue of federal law. This ensures that cases concerning essential national interests are adjudicated in the appropriate forum.
• Evaluate how 28 U.S.C. § 1331 interacts with diversity jurisdiction and what implications this has for plaintiffs considering where to file their lawsuits.
  • 28 U.S.C. § 1331 interacts with diversity jurisdiction by providing an alternative avenue for plaintiffs seeking to bring their cases in federal court based on the nature of their claims rather than just party citizenship. This means that if a plaintiff's case hinges on a substantial issue of federal law, they can file in federal court regardless of whether they meet diversity requirements. This interaction impacts plaintiffs by broadening their options for litigation and potentially offering them access to perceived advantages of the federal court system, such as procedural rules or jury pools.

Related terms

Federal Question Jurisdiction:

The authority of federal courts to hear cases that involve issues arising under federal law, as established by 28 U.S.C. § 1331.

Diversity Jurisdiction:

A form of subject matter jurisdiction allowing federal courts to hear cases where the parties are from different states and the amount in controversy exceeds a specified threshold.

Removal: The process of transferring a case from state court to federal court, which can occur when a federal question is present or when certain other criteria are met.