Quiz 2

How do you determine which court should hear a complaint?

• By the location of the defendant's residence

• By the amount involved in the dispute and the subject matter of the case

• By the preference of the plaintiff

• By the type of lawyer representing the parties

Answer explanation

Answer: By the amount involved in the dispute and the subject matter of the case

Explanation: Jurisdiction is determined by the nature of the case and the amount involved. Specific courts have designated jurisdiction over particular types of cases.

What does the term 'jurisdiction' refer to in the legal context?

Answer explanation

Answer: Jurisdiction is the legal power of a court to adjudicate a case and enforce its judgment.

Which of the following determines which court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of a case?

• The defendant's ability to pay

• The amount involved and the nature of the dispute

• The length of time the case has been pending

• The number of parties involved

Answer explanation

Answer: The amount involved and the nature of the dispute

Explanation: The subject matter jurisdiction is determined by the type of case (e.g., civil, criminal, family law) and the amount or value of the claim involved.

TRUE or FALSE: The Court of Appeals has exclusive original jurisdiction over cases involving large amounts of money.

Answer explanation

Answer: False

Explanation: The Court of Appeals generally has appellate jurisdiction, meaning it reviews cases that have been decided by lower courts. It does not have exclusive original jurisdiction over cases involving large amounts of money, which is typically within the jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Court (RTC).

Which court has exclusive original jurisdiction over cases that are incapable of pecuniary estimation?

• Municipal Trial Court (MTC)

• Court of Appeals

• Regional Trial Court (RTC)

• Shari’ah Circuit Court

Answer explanation

Answer: C) Regional Trial Court (RTC)

Explanation: Cases that are incapable of pecuniary estimation, such as those involving the enforcement of rights and specific performance, fall under the exclusive original jurisdiction of the RTC.

The totality rule states that the jurisdictional amount is determined by adding together the claims in the complaint.

Answer explanation

Answer: True

Explanation: The totality rule allows the court to determine jurisdiction by summing up all the claims for damages in the complaint to see if they meet the jurisdictional threshold.

In which case is the concept of "incapable of pecuniary estimation" particularly relevant?

• Pantranco North Express, Inc. vs. Standard Insurance Co., Inc.

• First Sarmiento Property Holdings vs. PBCom

• Roldan vs. Sps. Barrios

• Tijam vs. Sibonghanoy

Answer explanation

Answer: First Sarmiento Property Holdings vs. PBCom

Explanation: This case involves issues of specific performance, which are considered "incapable of pecuniary estimation" and thus fall under the jurisdiction of the RTC.

TRUE or FALSE: The jurisdiction of Shari’ah Circuit Courts is limited to cases involving Muslim personal laws.

Answer explanation

Answer: True

Explanation: Shari’ah Circuit Courts handle cases related to Muslim personal laws, such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance, within the Muslim community.

Can the question of jurisdiction be raised for the first time on appeal?

• Yes, it can always be raised on appeal

• No, it must be raised at the earliest opportunity

• Yes, but only if the party has new evidence

• No, unless it is a question of subject matter jurisdiction

Answer explanation

Answer: No, unless it is a question of subject matter jurisdiction

Explanation: Generally, jurisdictional issues should be raised early in the proceedings. However, questions of subject matter jurisdiction can be raised at any stage, even on appeal.

TRUE or FALSE: The Manchester ruling is applicable to criminal cases.

Answer explanation

Answer: False

Explanation: The Manchester ruling primarily pertains to the payment of docket fees in civil cases, not criminal cases.