On what basis might the federal district court in Illinois exercise jurisdiction in this case? Does the federal district court have original or appellate jurisdiction? Suppose that Garner had filed his action in an Illinois state court. Could an Illinois state court have exercised personal jurisdiction over Foreman or his manager? Why or why not?

Courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Stan Garner resides in Illinois and promotes boxing matches for SuperSports, Inc., an Illinois corporation. Garner
created the concept of “Ages” promotion—a three-fight series of boxing matches pitting an older fighter (George
Foreman) against a younger fighter. The concept had titles for each of the three fights, including “Battle of the Ages.”
Garner contacted Foreman and his manager, who both reside in Texas, to sell the idea, and they arranged a meeting
in Las Vegas, Nevada. During negotiations, Foreman’s manager signed a nondisclosure agreement prohibiting him
from disclosing Garner’s promotional concepts unless the parties signed a contract. Nevertheless, after negotiations fell
through, Foreman used Garner’s “Battle of the Ages” concept to promote a subsequent fight. Garner filed a suit against
Foreman and his manager in a federal district court located in Illinois, alleging breach of contract. Using the information presented in the chapter, answer the following questions.

1. On what basis might the federal district court in Illinois exercise jurisdiction in this case?

2. Does the federal district court have original or appellate jurisdiction?

3. Suppose that Garner had filed his action in an Illinois state court. Could an Illinois state court have exercised personal jurisdiction over Foreman or his manager? Why or why not?

4. Now suppose that Garner had filed his action in a Nevada state court. Would that court have had personal jurisdiction over Foreman or his manager? Explain