When does federal subject-matter jurisdiction exist based on a federal question?

When does federal subject-matter jurisdiction exist based on a federal question?

• A. When the claim arises under a federal statute only if both parties consent.
• B. When the federal question is essential to the outcome of the case, regardless of pleadings.
• C. When the plaintiff's well-pleaded complaint raises a federal question.
• D. When the federal government is a party to the suit.

Answer: (C)

Federal-question jurisdiction exists when a federal issue is presented on the face of the plaintiff’s own, well-pleaded complaint. This rule, known as the well-pleaded complaint rule, means the plaintiff must plead a claim created by federal law (statute, Constitution, or federal common law) in the document initiating the suit. Jurisdiction turns on what the plaintiff asserts, not on potential defenses the defendant might raise or evidence that comes later. Consent of the parties or the mere presence of the federal government as a party does not by itself create federal-question jurisdiction. Likewise, a federal issue that is only essential to the outcome and appears in the defendant’s pleadings or defenses does not establish federal-question jurisdiction.

Federal-question jurisdiction exists when a federal issue is presented on the face of the plaintiff’s own, well-pleaded complaint. This rule, known as the well-pleaded complaint rule, means the plaintiff must plead a claim created by federal law (statute, Constitution, or federal common law) in the document initiating the suit. Jurisdiction turns on what the plaintiff asserts, not on potential defenses the defendant might raise or evidence that comes later.

Consent of the parties or the mere presence of the federal government as a party does not by itself create federal-question jurisdiction. Likewise, a federal issue that is only essential to the outcome and appears in the defendant’s pleadings or defenses does not establish federal-question jurisdiction.