Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-2_12-cv-02119/USCOURTS-azd-2_12-cv-02119-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 110
Nature of Suit: Insurance
Cause of Action: 28:2201 Declaratory Judgment (Insurance)

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

Lexington Insurance Company, 

Plaintiff, 

vs.

Scott Homes Multifamily, Inc., Silverbell

290 Limited Partnership, 

Defendants. 

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No. CV 12-2119-PHX-JAT

ORDER

“Inquiring whether the court has jurisdiction is a federal judge’s first duty in every

case.” Belleville Catering Co. v. Champaign Market Place, L.L.C., 350 F.3d 691, 693 (7th

Cir. 2003). In this case, the complaint fails to sufficiently plead jurisdiction. 

First, the complaint cites 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201-2202 as a basis for jurisdiction.

However, the Declaratory Judgment Act is not a basis for jurisdiction; thus, the complaint

must establish a basis for federal subject matter jurisdiction independent from the

Declaratory Judgment Act. Skelly Oil Co. v. Phillips Petroleum Co., 339 U.S. 667, 672-674

(1950). Second, the complaint cites 28 U.S.C. § 1335, which is the interpleader statute.

However, nothing in the complaint suggests Plaintiff is attempting to interplead funds with

the Court.

Finally, the complaint cites 28 U.S.C. § 1332, diversity jurisdiction. However, the

complaint fails to plead the citizenship of Defendant Scott Homes, Inc. See Hertz Corp. v.

Friend, 130 S. Ct. 1181, 1192; - - - U.S. - - - (2010) (discussing the citizenship of a

Case 2:12-cv-02119-JAT Document 19 Filed 11/28/12 Page 1 of 2
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corporation). It also fails to plead the citizenship of Defendant Silverbell 290 Limited

Partnership. See Carden v. Arkoma Associates, 494 U.S. 185, 195-96 (1990) (discussing the

citizenship of limited partnerships). The complaint also fails to plead the citizenship of

Timberline Village Corporation. See Hertz Corp., 130 S. Ct. at 1192 (discussing the

citizenship of a corporation).

Based on the foregoing,

IT IS ORDERED that by December 19, 2012, Plaintiff shall file a supplement to the

complaint fully alleging federal subject matter jurisdiction, or this case will be dismissed,

without prejudice, for lack of federal subject matter jurisdiction.

DATED this 27th day of November, 2012.

Case 2:12-cv-02119-JAT Document 19 Filed 11/28/12 Page 2 of 2