Jackson v. Ashton

Summary

The Supreme Court held that the title or caption of a bill is not part of the bill and does not cure defects in pleading jurisdictional facts. Because the pleadings did not adequately state the parties' citizenship, the circuit court lacked jurisdiction, requiring reversal of its decree and dismissal of the appeal.

Holdings

1. The title or caption of a bill is not part of the bill and does not cure defects in its pleading.
2. A bill and the proceedings must state the citizenship of the parties to establish jurisdiction; the statement that the defendant was "of Philadelphia" was insufficient.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the caption or title of a bill can cure defects in the bill's allegations concerning the parties' citizenship.
2. Whether the bill adequately pleaded facts establishing federal jurisdiction based on the parties' citizenship.
3. Whether the circuit court had jurisdiction to entertain the cause.

Disposition

reversed