Define: Jurisdictional Amount

Jurisdictional Amount
Jurisdictional Amount
Quick Summary of Jurisdictional Amount

Jurisdictional amount refers to the monetary threshold that determines whether a court has the authority to hear a particular case. In many legal systems, courts are only empowered to adjudicate cases that meet a minimum amount in controversy, which is specified by law. This threshold is known as the jurisdictional amount. If the amount in dispute falls below this threshold, the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case, and it may be dismissed or transferred to a different court with appropriate jurisdiction. Jurisdictional amounts vary depending on the type of case and the court’s jurisdiction, and they are designed to ensure that courts focus on significant legal disputes while efficiently allocating resources. Parties initiating legal actions should be mindful of jurisdictional amount requirements to ensure that their cases are filed in the appropriate court.

What is the dictionary definition of Jurisdictional Amount?
Dictionary Definition of Jurisdictional Amount
n. the range between the minimum and maximum amount of money or value in dispute in a lawsuit (generally based on the amount demanded in the lawsuit), which determines which court has jurisdiction to try the case. Example: in California, municipal courts have jurisdiction up to $25,000, superior courts have jurisdiction over that sum, and small claims courts (an alternative to formal municipal court filing) have a maximum jurisdictional amount of $5,000. Federal jurisdiction commences at the $10,000 level, if the lawsuit fits other federal requirements.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.

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