(2) diversity of citizenship.
A case's federal jurisdiction is based on diversity of citizenship when the parties reside in different states and the amount in controversy is $75,000 or more.
In New York State, the Supreme Court of the State of New York is the court of general jurisdiction -- it can hear and decide any kind of legal controversy between two parties. Therefore, if there is no federal statute or federal constitutional provision governing your situation, and you and the defendant are citizens of the same state, you should consider bringing your action in state court.
