<P> In United States federal courts , the term currently applies only to cases brought under diversity jurisdiction , meaning that the court is able to hear the case only because it is between citizens of different states . In such cases , the U.S. Congress has decreed in 28 U.S.C. § 1332 ( a ) that the court may hear such suits only where `` the matter in controversy exceeds the sum or value of $75,000 . '' This amount represents a significant increase from earlier years . </P>
what is the minimum dollar amount for federal court
$75,000