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Diversity of Citizenship questions: can "evidence" of citizenship be printed off the internet and filed into the case, or does it need to be notarized or from the Secy of State?Also, per 28 USC 1332 (c)(1), a Corporation is deemed to be a citizen of the state in which it is incorporated. If incorporated in Washington, DC - which is not a state - then has 28 USC 1332 (c) (1) been met?The defendant is claiming diversity due to being incorporated in D.C., and using 1332 as it's reasoning. It is also using a printout without any affidavit.Can this "evidence" be challenged due to lack of authentication (FRCP 902) or that DC is not a state?
Optional Information: Country relating to Question: United States State (if USA): Nevada
Hi,My name is XXXXX XXXXX X'd be happy to answer your questions today.If you're talking about corporate documents, those need to be authenticated. A person can request certified copies from the Secretary of State, which may be admitted into evidence. If there is no affidavit attached to the documents, and they're not certified, that may be a basis for disputing diversity of citizenship. Just be aware that the other party may simply get the correct evidence and submit it.If you look at 28 U.S.C., Section 1332(e), it specifically states that the definition of "state" includes the District of Columbia, so that unfortunately wouldn't be a basis for disputing the Federal Court's jurisdiction.
Experience: Lawyer
Follow up - the court ordered the defendant to file proof of citizenship. What they filed this time is pretty much exactly what they filed the first time which prompted the judge to order them to file proof. Should the plaintiff file for Summary Judgment or some other filing since they failed to provide proof after the judge ordered them to?
From what you said, it sounds like you're currently in the middle of a Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction. If that's true, there's no reason to file a Motion for Summary Judgment - the judge still has to rule on the Motion to Dismiss. The fact that the plaintiff failed to produce the required evidence is something that can be discussed at the hearing. Alternatively, you could file a Motion for Sanctions, asking that the plaintiff be prohibited from arguing diversity at the hearing, based on the fact that he ignored the judge's order to produce evidence. If he's representing himself, the judge usually gives him a little leeway.Then again, the law states that a corporation may not represent itself in court (unless the person appearing is a lawyer). So, if the plaintiff is representing the corporation, you can also file a Motion to Strike all of the pleadings that he has filed as not properly filed by a lawyer.I don't believe that a Motion for Summary Judgment is appropriate at this stage, but if I misunderstood where you are in the process, please let me know. That can make a difference.