Which scenario illustrates the first-filed rule when concurrent jurisdiction exists?

• A. The case is heard by the court where the complaint was first filed.
• B. The case is heard by the court with the lower number of pending cases
• C. The case is heard by a randomly selected court
• D. The case is heard by the court with the defendant's counsel choosing

Answer: (A)

The first-filed rule gives priority to the forum where the case was first filed when two courts have jurisdiction over the same dispute. The idea is to avoid duplicative litigation and conflicting rulings by letting the earliest filed action proceed in its chosen court. In a scenario of concurrent jurisdiction, the case is heard by the court where the complaint was first filed because that court has the priority to hear the matter, and any later-filed action in another court is typically stayed or dismissed in favor of the first action. This ensures a single, coherent resolution.

So, the scenario described aligns with the principle because the earliest filed action receives the primary forum to proceed. The other options don’t reflect this priority, as they touch on docket size, randomness, or defense counsel influence rather than the sequencing of filings.