Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

What type of jurisdiction refers to a court's power over the individuals involved in a case?

1. Subject-Matter Jurisdiction

2. Personal Jurisdiction

3. Appellate Jurisdiction

4. Concurrent Jurisdiction

The correct answer is: Personal Jurisdiction

Personal jurisdiction refers specifically to a court's power to make decisions affecting the individuals involved in a case. This type of jurisdiction is grounded in the concept of fairness and justice, ensuring that a defendant is not subjected to the legal authority of a court in a location where they have insufficient connections or minimum contacts. For a court to exercise personal jurisdiction, the individuals must have ties to the forum state, such as residency, business operations, or activities that target the state’s residents. It ensures that parties can reasonably anticipate being brought into court in that jurisdiction, making legal proceedings fair and just. In contrast, subject-matter jurisdiction pertains to the authority of a court over the type of case being presented, such as civil or criminal matters, and does not focus on the individuals involved. Appellate jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to review decisions made by lower courts, rather than making determinations about the individuals involved in a case. Concurrent jurisdiction indicates that more than one court has the authority to hear a case, which does not directly address the question of a court's power over the individuals themselves.