28 U.S.C. § 1446

Definition

28 U.S.C. § 1446 is a federal statute that outlines the procedure for a defendant to remove a civil action from state court to federal court. This statute establishes the requirements for filing a notice of removal, including the time frame and the necessary contents of the notice, as well as the obligation to notify all adverse parties and the state court.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The notice of removal must be filed within 30 days after the defendant receives the initial pleading or summons, ensuring timely action in the removal process.
2. 28 U.S.C. § 1446 requires that all defendants consent to the removal if there are multiple defendants involved in the case, promoting fairness and uniformity.
3. If the case is removed based on diversity jurisdiction, it must be established that no defendant is a citizen of the forum state to avoid issues of local bias.
4. After filing for removal, defendants must notify all adverse parties and the state court, which is crucial for maintaining proper legal protocol.
5. A plaintiff can seek remand to state court if they believe the removal was improper, highlighting the importance of adherence to both procedural and substantive legal standards.

Review Questions

• What are the key procedural requirements outlined in 28 U.S.C. § 1446 for a defendant seeking to remove a case to federal court?
  • Under 28 U.S.C. § 1446, a defendant must file a notice of removal within 30 days after receiving the initial pleading or summons. The notice must include a short and plain statement of the grounds for removal and must be signed by at least one attorney or by the defendant personally. Additionally, all defendants in multi-defendant cases must consent to the removal, ensuring that the process is fair and compliant with legal standards.
• How does 28 U.S.C. § 1446 interact with diversity jurisdiction, and what implications does this have for removal cases?
  • 28 U.S.C. § 1446 is closely tied to diversity jurisdiction because it specifies that cases can be removed when parties are citizens of different states, provided that the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000. This interaction ensures that cases with significant interstate implications can be adjudicated in federal courts. However, it also imposes restrictions such as requiring that no defendant can be a citizen of the forum state, which prevents local defendants from removing cases to evade local courts.
• Evaluate how 28 U.S.C. § 1446 addresses the balance between federalism and access to federal courts in civil litigation.
  • 28 U.S.C. § 1446 strikes a balance between federalism and access to federal courts by establishing clear procedures for removal while respecting state court jurisdiction. By allowing defendants to remove cases based on specific criteria, it facilitates access to federal courts when appropriate, particularly in diversity cases where bias might arise in state courts. However, it also ensures that plaintiffs can challenge improper removals through remand motions, preserving state sovereignty and preventing abuse of the removal process. This balancing act reflects an ongoing tension in civil litigation between state rights and federal interests.

Related terms

Notice of Removal: A document filed by a defendant to initiate the removal of a case from state court to federal court, detailing the grounds for removal.

Diversity Jurisdiction: A form of subject matter jurisdiction that allows for federal court jurisdiction when parties are citizens of different states and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.

Remand: The act of sending a case back from federal court to state court after it has been removed, often due to lack of jurisdiction or failure to comply with procedural requirements.