Federal courts are empowered to hear cases that either (i) deal with a question of federal law, or (ii) may hear cases that fall under diversity jurisdiction which means a case involving two citizens of two different states and where the plaintiff seeks damages that exceed $75,000. Cases that do not qualify for diversity jurisdiction must be brought in a state court. … [Read more...]

Refers to two parties to a lawsuit, each being a citizen of a different state or country. Federal courts are empowered to hear cases that either deal with a question of federal law, or have diversity jurisdiction where there are two different citizens of different states or one is a citizen of another country. … [Read more...]

In English practice. A writ directed to the sheriff of the county in which a defendant resides, or has any goods or chattels, commanding him to distrain upon the goods and chattels of the defendant for forty shillings, in order to compel his appearance. 3 Steph. Comm. 567. This writ issues in cases where it is found impracticable to get at the defendant personally, so as to … [Read more...]

Immigration: also known as The Lottery. Certain specified countries who have sent a relatively small number of immigrants to the U.S. and who meet specific criteria (usually skilled laborers who have met certain education or financial requirements) are enrolled in a lottery, a random selection of individuals who will be entitled to apply for permanent residence in the U.S. (a … [Read more...]

In feudal and old English law. To distrain; to coerce or compel. Spelman; Calvin. … [Read more...]