Case or Controversy Requirement

Federal courts may only hear actual cases or controversies presenting real, adverse interests.

Related Judicial Power rules

• Judicial Review AuthorityFederal courts have authority to review constitutionality of legislative and executive acts under Marbury v. Madison.
• Injury in FactStanding requires a concrete, particularized, actual or imminent injury.
• Causation & RedressabilityThe injury must be fairly traceable to the defendant and likely redressable by a favorable court decision.
• Third-Party StandingA litigant may assert third-party rights when there is a close relationship and obstacles prevent the third party from…
• Organizational StandingAn organization may sue on behalf of its members when they have standing and individual participation is unnecessary.
• RipenessA claim is unripe when it is premature for review due to insufficiently developed facts.
• MootnessA case is moot when a live controversy no longer exists unless an exception applies.
• Political Question DoctrinePolitical questions are nonjusticiable when constitutionally committed to another branch or lacking judicial standards.

Part of Constitutional Law on Core Legal Rules — foundational MBE-tested principles with primary-source citations.