Thursday, May 13, 2010

What is a federal court case?

What exactly is a federal court case and how is it different from other cases? Thank youWhat is a federal court case?
It is a case brought in federal district court. These courts are different from state courts in that they only have limited jurisdiction. They can hear cases in only two circumstances:





1. The case is based on federal law


2. The case is between parties that are from different states and the amount in controversy is over $40,000 (it may be a different amount now..i haven't kept up with it)





State cases can hear pretty much any claim based on state or federal law unless the federal statute give the federal court exclusive jurisdiction.





The difference between the two in terms of practical issues is that federal cases move much faster than state cases. The courts are not nearly as busy either.

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