State vs. Federal Court: Where Will Your Civil Case Be Heard in Pennsylvania?
When facing a civil lawsuit in Pennsylvania, one of the first questions that arise is whether your case will, or can, be heard in state or federal court. The court where your case is filed can significantly impact the legal process, available remedies, and procedural rules. Here’s what you need to know about how courts are determined and why your case may be in one system or the other.
State Court Jurisdiction: The Default for Most Civil Cases
Pennsylvania’s state courts handle the vast majority of civil litigation cases, including:
Personal injury lawsuits (e.g., car accidents, slip and falls)
Contract disputes (e.g., business disagreements, breach of contract)
Property disputes (e.g., landlord-tenant issues, zoning conflicts)
Family law matters (e.g., divorce, child custody)
Employment disputes under Pennsylvania law
Most civil lawsuits are filed in Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, which serves as the trial court for cases involving significant financial stakes. Smaller claims (under $12,000) may be handled in Magisterial District Courts, while appeals and more complex legal matters go to Superior or Commonwealth Court and, ultimately, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court if necessary. As explained below, even if your case is one of the types listed above, you may still find yourself in federal court whether you’d prefer it or not.
When a Case Goes to Federal Court – Courts of Limited Jurisdiction
Federal courts in Pennsylvania have limited jurisdiction, meaning a case can only be heard there if it meets specific criteria. The two primary reasons a civil case may be in U.S. District Court instead of state court are:
Federal Question Jurisdiction – If the lawsuit involves a question of federal law, the case belongs in federal court. Examples include:
Civil rights violations
Bankruptcy proceedings
Patent, trademark, or copyright disputes
Cases involving federal agencies
Any federal statutes
Diversity Jurisdiction – If the case involves parties from different states and the amount in controversy (the amount the plaintiff is asking for) exceeds $75,000, it can be heard in federal court. For example:
A Pennsylvania resident sues a Delaware-based company for $80,000 in damages for injuries from a slip and fall in Pennsylvania.
A Pennsylvania man sues both a Florida man and a Georgia man for breach of a single alligator and peach contract. The non-breaching party is not a citizen of the state of either defendant and the damages exceed the $75,000 threshold.
Can a Case Be Moved Between Courts?
Yes, in some instances, a case filed in state court can be removed to federal court if it meets federal jurisdiction requirements. Conversely, if a federal court lacks jurisdiction, it may remand the case back to state court.
Removal example: If the Pennsylvania man sues the Florida and Georgia men in Pennsylvania state court and asked for more than $75,000, the Florida and Georgia men could force the case into federal court.
Remand example: If the slip and fall Pennsylvania resident sues the Delaware company in federal court and asked for $70,000, the Delaware company could remand the case to the relevant Pennsylvania county court.
Which Court Is Better for Your Case?
Each court system has advantages and disadvantages:
State courts may move faster (county specific) for certain types of cases and may have more flexible procedures.
Federal courts have stricter rules but may provide a more neutral forum (and juries) for cases involving out-of-state parties.
Choosing the right court can impact your case strategy. An experienced attorney can help you determine the best approach based on the specific facts of your case.
If you have questions about whether your case should be filed in state or federal court, contact The Skeen Firm at 724-249-2439 for a free case evaluation.