Nelson v. Keefer – Case Brief
Nelson v. Keefer, 451 F.2d 289 (3d Cir. 1971).
Facts: Nelson (P) was involved in a car accident with Keefer (D) and P filed a diversity action in federal court against D to recover for injuries he sustained. The judge in the district court exercised his discretion and dismissed the case, ruling that the claims could not meet the necessary jurisdictional amount required for diversity.
Issue: Is it within the district court judge’s discretion to determine whether a case can meet the jurisdictional amount required for diversity?
Holding and Rule: Yes. The court has the authority to evaluate a case before trial and to exercise discretion in determining whether the claims meet the amount in controversy requirement for diversity jurisdiction with legal certainty. On appeal the standard of review of the judge’s determination is “to a legal certainty”.
Disposition: Affirmed.