The opinion
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FILED
NOV - 5 2020
_________________________________________ Clerk, U.S. District & Bankruptcy
) Court for the District of Columbia
JERRY E. ROBERTSON, )
)
Plaintiff, )
)
v. ) Civil Action No. 20-3168 (UNA)
)
JEFF. CO. ATTY’S OFFICE, )
)
Defendant. )
_________________________________________ )
MEMORANDUM OPINION
This matter is before the Court on consideration of plaintiff’s application to proceed in
forma pauperis and his pro se complaint. The plaintiff’s claims pertain to defendant’s efforts to
collect unpaid child support.
Federal district courts have jurisdiction in civil actions arising under the Constitution,
laws or treaties of the United States. See 28 U.S.C. § 1331. In addition, federal district courts
have jurisdiction over civil actions where the matter in controversy exceeds $75,000, and the suit
is between citizens of different states. See 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a). The complaint does not
articulate a claim arising under the United States Constitution or federal law; therefore, the
plaintiff does not demonstrate federal question jurisdiction. While amount in controversy
allegedly exceeds $75,000, because the parties are citizens of Kentucky, the plaintiff fails to
establish diversity jurisdiction. Furthermore, because none of the parties appear to reside in the
District of Columbia, and because none of the events giving rise to the plaintiff’s claims occurred
here, it is doubtful that this district is the proper venue for resolution of the plaintiff’s claims.
The Court will grant the plaintiff’s application to proceed in forma pauperis and dismiss
the complaint without prejudice for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. An Order is issued
separately.
DATE: November 4, 2020 /s/
KETANJI BROWN JACKSON
United States District Judge