Which type of federal jurisdiction covers cases arising under federal law or the U.S. Constitution?

• A. Diversity jurisdiction
• B. Federal question jurisdiction
• C. Admiralty jurisdiction
• D. Bankruptcy jurisdiction

Answer: (B)

Federal question jurisdiction exists when a case is based on federal law or the U.S. Constitution. The crucial point is that the claim itself arises under federal law, such as a federal statute or a constitutional right, which brings the case into federal court under the well-pleaded complaint rule. For example, a lawsuit alleging a violation of a federal statute or challenging a constitutional right fits here. This is different from diversity jurisdiction, which depends on the parties’ citizenship and amount in controversy, and from admiralty or bankruptcy jurisdiction, which cover maritime matters and bankruptcy proceedings respectively.