Personal jurisdiction

What personal jurisdiction means

In short, personal jurisdiction is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.

Where personal jurisdiction comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Personal Jurisdiction (Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(2)): a motion arguing the court has no authority over the defendant.

How to research the term

To research personal jurisdiction, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.

You can read the official rule text online for free.

Related legal terms

• Jurisdiction: a court's power to hear a case and make binding decisions.
• Person: in law, anyone or anything the law recognizes as able to hold rights and duties. The word covers natural persons (human beings) and, when a statute says so, artificial or legal persons such as corporations. For example, under 1 U.S.C. § 1, unless the context indicates otherwise, the words "person" and "whoever" in federal statutes include corporations, companies, associations, firms, partnerships, societies and joint stock companies, as well as individuals. Many statutes define "person" for their own purposes, so read the definition section of the law you are using.
• Person entitled to enforce: under UCC § 3-301, the holder of an instrument, a nonholder in possession with the rights of a holder, or a person entitled to enforce a lost or similar instrument.
• Persuasive authority: law or commentary a court may consider but is not required to follow.
• Plaintiff: the person or entity that starts a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint.

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.