What is the minimum amount in controversy for federal diversity jurisdiction?

What is the minimum amount in controversy for federal diversity jurisdiction?

• A. More than $75,000
• B. Exactly $75,000
• C. $50,000
• D. $100,000

Answer: (A)

Diversity jurisdiction requires the amount in controversy to exceed $75,000, exclusive of interest and costs. In practice, the court looks to the plaintiff’s claim in the complaint in good faith; if it reasonably exceeds $75,000, jurisdiction attaches. If it’s legally certain the claim cannot reach that amount, the case may be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. So the minimum amount that qualifies is any amount greater than $75,000—exactly $75,000 would not suffice, while $75,001 would.

Diversity jurisdiction requires the amount in controversy to exceed $75,000, exclusive of interest and costs. In practice, the court looks to the plaintiff’s claim in the complaint in good faith; if it reasonably exceeds $75,000, jurisdiction attaches. If it’s legally certain the claim cannot reach that amount, the case may be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. So the minimum amount that qualifies is any amount greater than $75,000—exactly $75,000 would not suffice, while $75,001 would.