5th Cir. Remands Action for Determination of Jurisdiction Over Motion to Compel Arbitration

NEW ORLEANS — A federal appellate court has remanded an action for a determination as to whether jurisdiction exists for an appeal of a denial of a motion to compel arbitration, noting that the Federal Arbitration Act alone does not independently create subject matter jurisdiction.

On Oct. 13, the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals noted the action does not involve a federal question and that there was insufficient information in the record to show that diversity jurisdiction existed.

Silvia and Alejandro Roman sued Ford Motor Co. and AutoNation Ford Gulf Freeway Co. in the U.S. District Court for the …