Jozo Rotim v. Stephen R. Wadsworth

I. BACKGROUND

On December 7, 2021, Plaintiff Jozo Rotim filed an amended complaint in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Riverside against Defendant Stephen R. Wadsworth. (“FAC,” Dkt. No. 1 at 11.) The FAC alleges one state law claim for unlawful detainer after foreclosure sale. (FAC.) The FAC also alleges it is a limited civil case with damages no more than $10,000. (Id.) On January 12, 2022, Removing Defendant removed the action to federal court. (Removal Notice.)

II. LEGAL STANDARD

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1441(a), a defendant may remove a matter to federal court where the district court would have original jurisdiction. Caterpillar, Inc. v. Williams, 482 U.S. 386, 392 (1987). Federal courts have limited jurisdiction, “possessing only that power authorized by Constitution and statute.” Gunn v. Minton, 568 U.S. 251, 256 (2013). As such, a defendant may remove civil actions in which a federal question exists or in which complete diversity of Page 1 of CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Initials of Deputy Clerk MG Case 5:22-cv-00073-JGB-SHK Document Filed 01/18/ Page 2 of Page ID #:

citizenship between the parties…