For a defendant sued in New York for general jurisdiction based on doing business in New York, where may service of process be effected?

For a defendant sued in New York for general jurisdiction based on doing business in New York, where may service of process be effected?

• A. Anywhere
• B. Only within NY
• C. Only in NY where defendant is present
• D. Only by mail

Answer: (A)

General jurisdiction over a defendant arises when the defendant’s ties to the forum are so continuous and systematic that the defendant is essentially “at home” there. If New York has general jurisdiction because the defendant does business in New York, the court has power over the defendant for all claims, not just those related to the business in the state. With that level of authority, service of process may be effected wherever the defendant can be found, as long as the service method complies with the applicable rules. In practical terms, this means service is not confined to within New York or to a specific location, and it need not be by a particular method like mail only.

General jurisdiction over a defendant arises when the defendant’s ties to the forum are so continuous and systematic that the defendant is essentially “at home” there. If New York has general jurisdiction because the defendant does business in New York, the court has power over the defendant for all claims, not just those related to the business in the state. With that level of authority, service of process may be effected wherever the defendant can be found, as long as the service method complies with the applicable rules. In practical terms, this means service is not confined to within New York or to a specific location, and it need not be by a particular method like mail only.