Personal Jurisdiction Concepts

A court's ability to exercise authority over a claim. Federal courts are limited in the types of claims they can hear. State courts typically have broad subject matter jurisdiction.

A court's ability to exercise control over someone or something. This focuses on fairness and ensuring a court has sufficient connection to a defendant.

A type of personal jurisdiction where the subject matter of the case is a specific piece of property. The court has jurisdiction over the property itself.

A type of personal jurisdiction where the court has power over a person or entity. This can be established through various means, like domicile, consent, or minimum contacts.

The state where a defendant maintains their permanent home. This is one way to establish personal jurisdiction.

A way to establish personal jurisdiction by physically serving a defendant within the state. This applies even if the defendant has minimal contact with the state (Burnham v. Superior Ct).

A way to establish personal jurisdiction where the defendant voluntarily agrees to be subject to the court's authority. This can occur through explicitly consenting to jurisdiction or doing business within the state.

A statute that outlines specific circumstances under which a state court can exercise personal jurisdiction over a non-resident defendant.

A court's power to hear a case based on the subject matter involved. Federal courts have jurisdiction over specific types of cases, while state courts are more general.

Grants federal courts authority to hear cases when the dispute arises under the U.S. Constitution, treaties, or federal laws.

Allows federal courts to hear cases between citizens from different states when the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.

A doctrine that guides federal courts in determining whether to apply federal or state law in diversity cases. The goal is to prevent forum shopping and ensure uniformity in applying state law.

Allows a court to hear an additional claim that doesn't meet the requirements for federal question or diversity jurisdiction, but is closely related to the original claim.

A process by which a defendant can move a case from state court to federal court if the case could have originally been filed there.

The geographic location where a case can be filed. It's determined by the defendant's residence, where the claim arose, or where the plaintiff resides.

A procedure where a court decides to transfer a case to a different location within the same court system if the original venue wasn't appropriate.

A doctrine that allows a court to dismiss a case if a more appropriate court exists in a different location, potentially in another country.

The formal delivery of a summons and complaint to the defendant, notifying them of the lawsuit and giving them the opportunity to respond.

The initial pleading filed by the plaintiff, outlining the basis for the lawsuit, the claims, and the relief sought.

The defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint. The defendant must admit, deny, or raise defenses to each claim.

A claim filed by the defendant against the plaintiff, usually arising from the same set of facts. It can be compulsory (must be raised) or permissive (optional).

A claim filed by one party against another party who is already involved in the lawsuit, but is not the original defendant. It must arise from the same transaction or occurrence.

A procedural rule that allows a plaintiff to join other plaintiffs or defendants in a lawsuit if their claims arise from the same transaction or occurrence and share a question of law or fact.

A rule that allows a party to join an absent party who is considered necessary or indispensable to the case. This occurs when complete relief cannot be provided without the absent party, or their interests would be harmed if not involved.

A rule that allows a defendant to bring a third party into a lawsuit who might be liable to the defendant for the plaintiff's claim. This allows the defendant to potentially recover from the third party.

A process where a third party can join a lawsuit as either a plaintiff or defendant if they have a strong interest in the case and no existing party adequately represents their interests.

A procedural rule that addresses situations where multiple parties have conflicting claims to the same property or debt. It allows the court to determine who has the rightful claim without unnecessary litigation.

A procedural rule that allows a court to separate trials or issues within a case if it becomes too complex or confusing.

A process by which parties exchange information and evidence relevant to their claims and defenses. It is governed by Rule 26 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

A motion filed before trial asking the court to enter a judgment against the opposing party because there is no genuine dispute of material facts.

The right guaranteed by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to have a jury decide fact-based questions in most civil cases.

A motion filed during a trial asking the court to decide the case in favor of one party because the evidence presented at trial is so clear that no reasonable jury could find in favor of the other party.

A judgment that prevents a party from relitigating a claim that was previously decided in a prior lawsuit.

A judgment that prevents parties from relitigating an issue of law or fact that was actually litigated and decided in a prior lawsuit.