| Removal of Cases from State Court to Federal Court |
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| Jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear and decide a case. A federal court has subject matter jurisdiction in two broad categories of cases. The federal court has federal question jurisdiction, which is the authority to hear legal disputes involving the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, and treaties. The federal court also has diversity jurisdiction, which means lawsuits between two states or between citizens of two different states in a case in which at least $75,000 of damages is sought. More... |
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| Restrictions on Judicial Campaign Speech |
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| Each branch of the armed forces has its own judicial system. Each service (Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force) has a JAG, who is the senior legal officer of that branch of the armed forces. The JAG is charged with administering military justice and with providing legal advice, opinions, and assistance to those who serve in the military. More... |
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| Indian Tribal Courts |
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| Congress has plenary or complete authority over Indian affairs. This means that Congress has unlimited discretion to regulate affairs on an Indian reservation. Under federal law, Indian nations are quasi-sovereign; that is, they have power in some areas but not in others. For example, Indian nations can operate tribal governments and manage their own property and resources. However, they cannot conduct foreign relations or prosecute non-Indians who commit crimes on reservations. Indian nations have adopted tribal codes, which usually combine traditional law with state law and federal law. More... |
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| Joinder of Parties in Civil Lawsuits |
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| A civil lawsuit is a legal action brought in a court by a person who is called the plaintiff. Generally, a lawsuit has one plaintiff who asserts one or more claims against one defendant. However, there are situations in which additional parties can be added to the lawsuit. More... |
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| Courthouse Security |
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| Courthouse security has been increased since events such as the Oklahoma City bombing of a federal court building and the tragedy of September 11, 2001, which destroyed the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The goal of enhanced security is twofold: to assure the safety of people and property in the courthouse and to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. Reasonably safe courthouses must be provided, measures have to be taken to safeguard court records, and a plan must be adopted that would permit the court system to function after an emergency. More... |
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