#26 · 2026-09-01 · Legal term
Diversity jurisdiction
For this ordinary two-party dispute, different state citizenship and more than $75,000 in controversy support diversity jurisdiction under § 1332(a). The hypothetical satisfies complete diversity; a federal cause of action is unnecessary.
Rule to remember
Diversity jurisdiction is federal subject-matter jurisdiction based on qualifying diverse citizenship and an amount in controversy exceeding $75,000, excluding interest and costs.
Key elements and checks
- For ordinary state-citizen cases, complete diversity between opposing parties.
- More than $75,000 in controversy, exclusive of interest and costs.
In the source’s words
“citizens of different States”
28 USC § 1332(a)(1)
Citizenship is not simply residence. Special statutory regimes, including certain class actions, use different requirements.