What principle helps determine federal jurisdiction?

• A. The popularity of the case
• B. Subject matter and parties involved
• C. The geographic location of the parties
• D. The judges' preferences

Answer: (B)

Federal jurisdiction is determined by subject matter and the parties involved. Courts examine whether the claim involves a federal question (the law or Constitution or a treaty is at issue) or whether the parties are sufficiently diverse in citizenship and the amount in controversy meets the statutory threshold. These criteria establish whether a case can be heard in federal court. Choices about popularity, geographic location, or a judge’s preferences do not set federal jurisdiction, since jurisdiction must be grounded in the law and the parties’ status.