§2166 Jurisdiction

Summary

Gives the federal district courts the power to hear and decide cases under this part of the law. They have the main authority to handle those cases and usually control any property of the debtor from the start of the case, no matter where the property is. The court where the case is filed can also reach people and businesses involved. A party can move most related civil claims into that district court (but not cases before the U.S. Tax Court or certain government police/regulatory actions). The district court can send a claim back for fair reasons, and that decision usually cannot be appealed. If a civil matter arises under or is related to a case, it must be moved to the district court where the main case is pending. Appeals follow the normal process for civil cases and go to the federal court of appeals for the circuit where the case is located. That appeals court hears final decisions and may hear early (interlocutory) appeals if the district court certifies and the appeals court agrees. The district court must certify if the issue has no controlling precedent, is of public importance, involves conflicting decisions, or an immediate appeal would help the case. Parties may add a short statement to the certification. A request for certification must be made within 60 days of the order. Early appeals do not stop the lower court from going on unless a stay is ordered. The court clerk must reassign staff as needed to manage the case properly.