Because this is a diversity case, we "apply federal procedural law and state substantive law." McAnulty v. Standard Ins. Co., 81 F.4th 1091, 1096 (10th Cir. 2023). "[O]ur task is not to reach our own judgment regarding the substance of the common law, but simply to ascertain and apply the state law."
The Tenth Circuit has echoed this sentiment, explaining the purpose of removal under diversity jurisdiction is to “protect defendants who fear parochial bias in state courts.” McAnulty v. Std. Ins. Co., 81 F.4th 1091, 1094 n.3 (10th Cir. 2023) (citation omitted)