What is the test for a Rule 12(b)(1) jurisdictional attack?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from Bodi v. Shingle Springs Band Indians, No. CIV. S-13-1044 LKK/CKD (E.D. Cal. 2014):

"A Rule 12(b)(1) jurisdictional attack may be facial or factual." Safe Air for Everyone v. Meyer, 373 F.3d 1035, 1039 (9th Cir. 2004). "In a facial attack, the challenger asserts that the allegations contained in a complaint are insufficient on their face to invoke federal jurisdiction. By contrast, in a factual attack, the challenger disputes the truth of the allegations that, by themselves, would otherwise invoke federal jurisdiction." Id.

In considering a facial attack, the court "determine[s] whether the complaint alleges 'sufficient factual matter, accepted as true, to state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.'" Terenkian v. Republic of Iraq, 694 F.3d 1122, 1131 (9th Cir. 2012) (quoting Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009)).

"If the defendant instead makes a factual attack on subject matter jurisdiction, the defendant may introduce testimony, affidavits, or other evidence" and "[u]nder these circumstances, 'no presumptive truthfulness attaches to plaintiff's allegations.'" Terenkian, 694 F.3d at 1131 (quoting Doe v. Holy See, 557 F.3d 1066, 1073 (9th Cir. 2009)). "In resolving a factual attack on jurisdiction, the district court may review evidence beyond the complaint without converting the motion to

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dismiss into a motion for summary judgment." Safe Air for Everyone, 373 F.3d at 1039. However, in the absence of a full-fledged evidentiary hearing, disputes as to the pertinent facts are viewed in the light most favorable to the non-moving party. Dreier v. United States, 106 F.3d 844, 847 (9th Cir. 1996).

An action should not be dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction without giving the plaintiff an opportunity to amend unless it is clear that the jurisdictional deficiency cannot be cured by amendment. May Dep't Store v. Graphic Process Co., 637 F.2d 1211, 1216 (9th Cir. 1980).

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