• For example, if a plaintiff brings a lawsuit in federal court based on a federal question (such as a claim under Title VII), the defendant may assert a counterclaim over which the court would not otherwise have jurisdiction (such as a state-law claim of stealing company property). The concept of ancillary jurisdiction has now been codified, along with the concept of pendent jurisdiction, in the supplemental-jurisdiction statute. 28 USCA § 1367. See supplemental jurisdiction. Cf. pendent jurisdiction. [Cases: Admiralty 1(3); Courts 27; Equity 35; Federal Courts 20. C.J.S. Courts § 66; Equity §§ 9, 80, 87.]
ancillary jurisdiction
A court’s jurisdiction to adjudicate claims and proceedings related to a claim that is properly before the court.
