Pro Se 2 (Rev. 12/16) Complaint and Request for Injunction
II. Basis for Jurisdiction
Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction (limited power). Generally, only two types of cases can be
heard in federal court: cases involving a federal question and cases involving diversity of citizenship of the
parties. Under 28 U.S.C. § 1331, a case arising under the United States Constitution or federal laws or treaties
is a federal question case. Under 28 U.S.C. § 1332, a case in which a citizen of one State sues a citizen of
another State or nation and the amount at stake is more than $75,000 is a diversity of citizenship case. In a
diversity of citizenship case, no defendant may be a citizen of the same State as any plaintiff.
What is the basis for federal court jurisdiction?
(check all that apply)
’ Federal question ’ Diversity of citizenship
Fill out the paragraphs in this section that apply to this case.
A. If the Basis for Jurisdiction Is a Federal Question
List the specific federal statutes, federal treaties, and/or provisions of the United States Constitution that
are at issue in this case.
B. If the Basis for Jurisdiction Is Diversity of Citizenship
1. The Plaintiff(s)
a. If the plaintiff is an individual
The plaintiff,
(name) , is a citizen of the
State of
(name) .
b. If the plaintiff is a corporation
The plaintiff,
(name) , is incorporated
under the laws of the State of
(name) ,
and has its principal place of business in the State of
(name)
.
(If more than one plaintiff is named in the complaint, attach an additional page providing the
same information for each additional plaintiff.)
2. The Defendant(s)
a. If the defendant is an individual
The defendant,
(name) , is a citizen of
the State of
(name) . Or is a citizen of
(foreign nation)
.
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