DIVERSITY OF CITIZENSHIP
diversity of citizenship.A basis for federal-court jurisdiction that exists when (1) a case is
between citizens of different states, or between a citizen of a state and an alien, and (2) the matter
in controversy exceeds a specific value (now $75,000).28 USCA § 1332. • For purposes of
diversity jurisdiction, a corporation is considered a citizen of both the state of incorporation and
the state of its principal place of business. An unincorporated association, such as a partnership, is
considered a citizen of each state where at least one of its members is a citizen. — Often shortened
to diversity. See diversity jurisdiction under JURISDICTION. [Cases: Federal Courts 281–360.]
complete diversity.In a multiparty case, diversity between both sides to the lawsuit so that all
plaintiffs have different citizenship from all defendants. • Complete diversity must exist for a
federal court to have diversity jurisdiction over the matter. The rule of complete diversity was first
laid down by Chief Justice Marshall in Strawbridge v. Curtiss, 7 U.S. (3 Cranch) 267 (1806).
[Cases: Federal Courts 286.]
manufactured diversity.Improper or collusively created diversity of citizenship for the sole or
primary purpose of creating federal jurisdiction. • Manufactured diversity is prohibited by 28
USCA § 1359. [Cases: Federal Courts 303.] [Blacks Law 8th]