28 U.S.C. §1332 (also Art. III, Sec. 2, U.S. Const.); a shorthand phrase for one of the kinds of cases over which federal courts have subject matter jurisdiction, i.e., cases between citizens of different states (where the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000). N.B., state courts may also hear this kind of case, and the plaintiff may choose either federal or state forum.