Pro Se 5 (Rev. 12/16) Complaint for a Civil Case Alleging Negligence
II. Basis for Jurisdiction
Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction (limited power). Under 28 U.S.C. § 1332, federal courts may
hear cases 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. In that kind of case, called a diversity of citizenship case, no defendant may be a citizen of
the same State as any plaintiff. Explain how these jurisdictional requirements have been met.
A. The Plaintiff(s)
1. If the plaintiff is an individual
The plaintiff,
(name) , is a citizen of the
State of
(name) .
2. 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.)
B. The Defendant(s)
1. If the defendant is an individual
The defendant,
(name) , is a citizen of
the State of
(name) . Or is a citizen of
(foreign nation)
.
2. If the defendant is a corporation
The defendant,
(name) , is incorporated under
the laws of the State of
(name) , and has its
principal place of business in the State of
(name) .
Or is incorporated under the laws of
(foreign nation) ,
and has its principal place of business in
(name) .
(If more than one defendant is named in the complaint, attach an additional page providing the
same information for each additional defendant.)
C. The Amount in Controversy
The amount in controversy–the amount the plaintiff claims the defendant owes or the amount at
stake–is more than $75,000, not counting interest and costs of court, because
(explain):
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