Legal Definitions - collusive joinder

Definition: Collusive joinder is the act of joining a defendant, usually a nonresident, in a lawsuit in order to have the case removed to federal court. It is done in bad faith to manipulate the jurisdiction of the case.

Example: A plaintiff files a lawsuit against a defendant who is a resident of the same state. However, the plaintiff adds a nonresident defendant to the lawsuit, even though they have no connection to the case, solely to create diversity of citizenship and have the case moved to federal court. This is an example of collusive joinder.

This practice is not allowed and is considered unethical. It undermines the fairness and integrity of the legal system by manipulating the jurisdiction of the case.