Federal Question Jurisdiction
/ˈfɛd(ə)rəl ˈkwɛstʃən ˌdʒʊərɪsdɪkʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) Subject-matter jurisdiction of federal courts over cases arising under the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, or treaties.
The plaintiff invoked federal question jurisdiction to bring the lawsuit in federal court.
Forms
- federal question jurisdiction
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Federal question jurisdiction is a key basis for federal court authority and requires that the plaintiff's claim arises under federal law, not simply that a federal issue is tangential.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.