1 Introduction
- This chapter provides an analysis of the jurisdictional allocation
of cases based on geography. The allocative heuristics based on geography allow a court to exercise its
authority within a defined geographic territory and hear cases involving events and persons that fall
within that jurisdiction. However, if a court lacks geographic jurisdiction over the events or persons
involved in a case, it cannot impose any legal obligations on the defendant or adjudicate any rights
with respect to them. It is important to note that this type of jurisdiction is distinct from
subject-matter jurisdiction, which confers upon a court the power to render a judgment concerning a
particular legal subject matter.
- The scope and method for determining geographical jurisdiction vary
between civil law and common law systems. In common law systems, the scope of jurisdiction is broader
and includes most civil matters concerning the defendants’ property, debts, and contracts. By
contrast, civil law systems have a narrower scope of jurisdiction, limited to specific legal matters. In
common law systems, jurisdiction is determined by the principle of minimum contacts: ensuring that the
defendant is sufficiently connected to the jurisdiction to prevent any violation of the principles of
justice. Conversely, civil law systems rely on express provisions enacted by the legislature to
determine jurisdiction. The method for exercising jurisdiction differs as well, with common law courts
have the discretion of exercising jurisdiction based on equitable principles. On the other hand, civil
law systems require jurisdiction to be exercised strictly in accordance with the law, without any room
for judicial discretion.
- This chapter intends to provide a comprehensive overview of the
allocation of cases based on geography in civil and common law jurisdictions. Given the impracticality
of conducting an exhaustive study of every jurisdiction, the chapter will focus on illustrative
jurisdictions such as the United States, England and Wales, Canada, Australia, Singapore, India, South
Africa, Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, Estonia, Italy,
Russia, Belgium, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Dubai, Iran, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela,
Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Japan and South Korea. Additionally, the chapter will include supplemental
commentary on other jurisdictions that provide interesting contrasts. The chapter will proceed
thematically rather than by jurisdiction and will analyze geographic jurisdiction along various
dimensions. This chapter proposes that geographical jurisdiction is influenced by three key factors, (1)
national sovereignty; (2) the balance of plaintiff and defendant interests; (3) forum interests.
2 The Role of Geography in Case Allocation
Generally
- Geographic jurisdiction originated with early English legal customs,
which prohibited the king from exerting authority over individuals or property situated beyond the
confines of his kingdom. Any infringement of this default rule by royal members carried the risk of
military conflict with other nations. As time progressed, this custom gradually transformed into
law.[1]
- During the early stages of common law, judges and scholars
established actual control as a prerequisite for a
legally binding judgment. This was particularly evident in criminal cases, where the courts were unable
to enforce their rulings without obtaining direct and physical control over the individual or property
in question. As a result, a valid judgment in the past necessitated the court to gain control of the
defendant’s person or property. Typically, the defendant was brought to court through a warrant
and detained until they posted a bail amount that satisfied the plaintiff’s claims and associated
costs.[2]
- The evolution of personal jurisdiction in common law and territorial
jurisdiction in civil law systems was influenced by two key factors: (1) the origin of the court’s
authority, and (2) the actual control over the defendant.
3 Common Law System: Geographic Jurisdiction/
Personal Jurisdiction
3.1 Introduction
- Personal jurisdiction refers to a court’s adjudicatory
authority over a party.[3] The conventional definition of this concept considers a court’s authority to
summon a defendant for trial within a particular legal framework that operates within a specific
geographic jurisdiction.[4] There are several categories consisting of personal
jurisdiction: (1) principles of in personam,
in rem, and quasi in
rem jurisdictions are founded upon rigid territorial regulations; (2)
general jurisdiction and specific jurisdiction reflect a novel approach that is centred on a
comprehensive analysis of contacts; (3) the doctrine of consent of parties represents an independent
category; (4) long-arm jurisdiction empowers courts to exercise authority over non-resident defendants.
The subsequent sections will delineate the intricate contours of this multifaceted concept across
various categories.
3.2 In Personam Jurisdiction
- In personam jurisdiction empowers the
court to make decisions to bind a particular defendant concerning his personal rights and
obligations.[5]
- In the United States, the jurisdiction in personam exhibits a dynamic pattern that has evolved over
time. This section will trace the historical development to demonstrate the variations in geographic
considerations that have influenced jurisdiction in personam. Under the Due Process Clause,[6] the regulations governing
jurisdiction in personam were initially
established in Pennoyer v. Neff,[7] which distinguished in personam as
power over the person and in rem which is power over the property or thing. Furthermore, Pennoyer emphasized the concept of territoriality in the authority
of courts over individuals and property within the boundaries of the state. This seminal case
underscored the capacity of the state’s courts to exert jurisdiction over individuals and things
within geographic boundary. With increasing industrialization and increased mobility, the stringent
geographical restriction cannot adapt to emerging cases and the US Supreme Court articulated a new
doctrine under International Shoe Co. v. Washington.
The new method extends the exercise of personal jurisdiction over an out-of-state defendant if there are
‘certain minimum contacts’ between the defendant and the forum if the litigation arises out
of or is related to that minimum contact.[8] Since that time, jurisdiction has not been
confined to considerations of the territorial borders of the states, but has also been extended to
ensure the provision of ‘due process for the defendant’. Concurrently, the theoretical
underpinnings of jurisdiction have shifted from a power-based approach to one centred on the principle
of procedural fairness.[9] For several decades, the minimum contacts framework established
by International Shoe served as the dominant
approach to jurisdictional analysis in the United States. Furthermore, the landmark case of McGee v. International Life Insurance Co. played an important
part in the expansion of the personal jurisdiction doctrine and exemplified the ongoing influence of
International Shoe. Under McGee, a contract with a substantial connection to the forum state
can be regarded as minimum contacts sufficient for the court to assert jurisdiction over litigation
relating to the contract, even though the defendant company was not physically located in the forum
state.[10] But
a resurgence of the Pennoyer approach to
jurisdictional analysis was reaffirmed in Burnham v. Superior Court. In Burnham, the Supreme Court relied on a
historical interpretation of ‘physical presence’ to validate jurisdiction on the simple
basis of in-person service within the state, even if the litigation was unrelated to the
defendant’s contacts with the state.[11] Indeed, a growing body of literature has
emphasized Pennoyer’s revival and questioned
the continued significance of the minimum contacts doctrine.[12]
- The approach in Canada shows a unique picture, which
is based on both statutory law and case law.[13] Noticeably, British
Columbia, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Yukon have enacted the Court Jurisdiction and Proceedings
Transfer Act (CJPTA). In Canada, this statutory provision has a broad impact on the analysis of
jurisdiction and outlines the territorial considerations that govern jurisdiction in personam. The clause represents five occasions of territorial
competence.[14] Since the initial promulgation of CJPTA, the common law on jurisdiction has
evolved,[15] indicating that criteria established by CJPTA are instructive to judicial practice in
Canada. From the perspective of case law, under Club Resorts Ltd. v. Van
Breda, the Canadian Supreme Court adopted a ‘real and substantial
connection’ test, which relies on four presumptive factors. These factors bear some resemblance to
the minimum contacts standard utilized in certain states in the US.[16] In cases involving
presence-based jurisdiction, the Canadian Supreme Court in Chevron Corp v
Yaiguaje concluded that the defendant's physical presence within the
jurisdiction could constitute sufficient evidence of jurisdiction, without the need for additional
tests.[17] Despite the implementation of the CJPTA in only certain jurisdictions, there are no
tremendous differences from others that rely on common law rules. While CJPTA jurisdictions are not
required to adhere to the tests identified in Van Breda, these rules have nonetheless influenced the
interpretation of the CJPTA.[18]
- In England and Wales, in
personam jurisdiction is governed by a combination of statutory provisions
and common law rules. The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 (CJJA 1982) offers a comprehensive
framework for the allocation of jurisdiction, as detailed in Part II and Schedule 4. The legislation
highlights the significance of territorial considerations in several provisions. For instance, the
persons domiciled in a part of the country shall be sued in the courts of that part,[19] indicating that the
domicile of the individual is a critical factor in determining jurisdictions. Other common law
jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Malaysia, follow a similar
format.
- Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand generally
adhere to the historical common law principles governing territorial jurisdiction. In Hong Kong, the
courts may exercise jurisdiction in personam under
the following three conditions: (1) the defendant is in Hong Kong, and the originating process can be
served in Hong Kong; (2) the defendant voluntarily accepts the jurisdiction; (3) the defendant is
outside of Hong Kong, with the originating process might be served out of the jurisdiction.[20] In the subsequent
phase of judicial analysis, the court possesses discretionary authority to decide whether to assert its
jurisdiction.[21] As for Australia, the personal jurisdiction is based on the Federal Court of Australia
Act 1976 and Federal Court Rules 2011.[22] To sum up, the principles governing personal
jurisdiction in Australia are as follows: (1) whether the defendant has domicile or property inside or
outside of Australia; (2) whether the case is related to facts that occurred in Australia, and (3)
whether the defendant voluntarily accepts the jurisdiction of Australian courts.[23] New Zealand’s
approach to personal jurisdiction is unique in that it relies on two distinguishing principles. Firstly,
under the domicile principle, the courts in New Zealand possess exclusive jurisdiction over permanent
residents of the country, irrespective of their nationality or region of origin. This principle also
applies to individuals who hold legal residency in New Zealand but are not citizens. Secondly, under the
ancillary jurisdiction principle, if a case involves a party or issue that the New Zealand court already
has jurisdiction over, the court may exercise ancillary jurisdiction to ensure that the case can be
fully adjudicated.[24] In conclusion, these three jurisdictions share two common principles when it comes to
detecting personal jurisdiction: (1) the defendant’s connection with the jurisdiction, eg,
domicile, residence, and property; (2) the defendant’s voluntary consent to submit to
jurisdiction.
- In India’s civil procedure, the residence of
the defendant constitutes one of the principal factors in determining jurisdiction. The Code of Civil
Procedure points out that the residence and the place of business activities of the defendant are
important factors for identifying the proper court.[25] Similar regulations can be found in Malaysia.
The Courts of Judicature Act specifies that the court shall have jurisdiction to hear any civil case in
which the defendant or one of several defendants resides or has a place of business within the
jurisdiction.[26]
3.3 In Rem Jurisdiction
- In rem jurisdiction
constitutes a type of personal jurisdiction that coexists with in
personam jurisdiction. Compared with in
personam jurisdiction, jurisdiction in
rem confers power over a thing rather than an individual.[27]
- In the US, as mentioned above, Pennoyer introduced the distinction between in personam jurisdiction and in rem jurisdiction. Under
Pennoyer’s framework, the court exercises
jurisdictional authority over property situated within its territorial borders.[28] However, with the changing
society, the frequent movement of property has rendered the territorial principle to property no longer
viable. In the landmark case of Shaffer v. Heitner, the
United States Supreme Court established that the authority over property must comply with constitutional
requirements, such as the Due Process Clause. The U.S. Supreme Court determined that obtaining personal
jurisdiction over a non-resident defendant by seizing property within the state that is unrelated to the
lawsuit would violate due process. This ruling marks a significant departure from the traditional
principle of strict territorial jurisdiction.[29] In the Internet era, principles of in rem jurisdiction continue to be significant in the realm of
cyberspace,[30] particularly in cases involving Internet domain names. For example, in NBC Universal v. NBCUniversal.com, a domain name dispute the
plaintiff sued directly under the in rem jurisdiction.[31]
- In Canada, in rem jurisdiction is frequently invoked in cases involving admiralty law. Under the
Federal Courts Act, the Federal Courts have in rem jurisdiction over ships, aircrafts, and other properties
that are within the jurisdiction.[32] A similar provision is also found under
CJPTA.[33]
- In England, CJJA 1982 sets forth provisions regarding in rem jurisdiction in Schedule 4, with a primary focus
on immovable property. CJJA 1982 stipulates that the court where the property is located has exclusive
jurisdiction over the immovable property and immovable property tenancies.[34]
- In Hong Kong, in rem litigation primarily encompasses cases that seek to determine ownership or other rights
in relation to a rem, maritime litigation, and cases
related to identity acts. In the first two types of cases, the principle of effectiveness is typically employed to determine jurisdiction.
With respect to identity act-related lawsuits, Hong Kong courts generally consider whether the
party’s domicile or habitual residence is located in Hong Kong when determining
jurisdiction.[35] Looking at the case law, in rem jurisdiction is determined on the basis of whether there is effective control over the
disputed property.
- Similar provisions are also found in Australia, New
Zealand,[36] India[37] and Malaysia.[38]
3.4 Quasi in Rem Jurisdiction
- This part will illustrate the concept of quasi in rem jurisdiction, which distinguishes itself from
in rem jurisdiction. It means the court has
jurisdiction to adjudicate the right of a person who has property located within the borders of the
court.[39] Noticeably, historically, quasi in
rem jurisdiction not only empowers the court to adjudicate on the property,
but to seize and use it as a basis to subject its owner to the court’s authority for any claims.
This terminology refers to the jurisdiction over a person rather than a piece of property, but based on
the person’s interest in the property.[40] For instance, mortgage
foreclosure is quasi in rem action since it
focuses on the relationship between the lender and the borrower, not the property. This approach was
often invoked when in personam jurisdiction was
unavailable.[41] In keeping with the evolving trends of in personam jurisdiction and in rem jurisdiction, the absolute territorial
doctrine, for quasi in rem jurisdiction has been
overruled.
- In the US, the Shaffer v.
Heitner applied the minimum contacts standard established in International Shoe Industry to constrain the use of
quasi in rem jurisdiction.[42] The case involved a
shareholder’s derivative suit challenging the fiduciary duties of corporate officers.
Plaintiff, a shareholder, based jurisdiction by the Delaware court on defendant’s corporate
officer’s ownership of stocks deemed to be in Delaware. The US Supreme Court ruled that the
Delaware court could not establish jurisdiction based on the quasi in
rem jurisdiction over the defendant’s ownership of stocks in
Delaware, when the litigation was unrelated to the property, and the defendant’s connections to
the jurisdiction were extremely limited. This ruling clarified the scope of quasi in rem jurisdiction, requiring plaintiffs to demonstrate
that the defendant’s connections (apart from the ownership of in state property) in the
jurisdiction were sufficient to satisfy constitutional requirements for due process if the litigation is
unrelated to the defendant’s interest in the property.[43]
3.5 Specific Jurisdiction vs General
Jurisdiction
- Under the International Shoe framework, the concept of in personam jurisdiction has developed into two distinct types: general jurisdiction and specific
jurisdiction. These two categories have distinctive rules, but both are based on the principle of
‘certain minimum contacts’ and the doctrine of basic fairness.[44] This section aims to clarify the
specific requirements of this bifurcated jurisdiction while elucidating the implicit geographic
considerations involved.
- The concept of general jurisdiction stipulates that a
court can exercise jurisdiction over a defendant in any matter related to the defendant. On the other
hand, specific jurisdiction enables a court to exercise jurisdiction over a defendant only as to a
specific litigation if the defendant has a specific connection with the forum state and the cause of
action is related to this connection. These jurisdictional categories are grounded on the principle of
‘certain minimum contacts’ and the doctrine of basic fairness, indicating a departure from
the strict territorial approach to jurisdiction.[45] Thus, it can be
observed that the new paradigm of jurisdictional categories is centred on a comprehensive analysis of
all relevant contacts.
- The United States Supreme Court, in International Shoe, differentiated between general and specific
jurisdictions on the basis of the minimum contacts principle: (1) General jurisdiction applies when the
connection between the defendant and the forum is so substantial such that the forum state can
adjudicate all claims against the defendant. General jurisdiction is usually asserted over citizens of
the forum state; (2) Specific jurisdiction focuses on the nature of the disputes in the case. The court
has specific jurisdiction over the defendant if the defendant is sued in the state for a cause directly
related to his activities in the state and it is reasonable to exercise jurisdiction over the
defendant.[46]
- After International
Shoe, subsequent court decisions provided further clarification on the
requirements for both general and specific jurisdictions. In particular, Perkins v. Benguet Consolidated Mining Co. established a clear
example of the exercise of general jurisdiction. Under this case, the court was entitled to exercise
general jurisdiction over the company on the basis of systematic, continuous, and substantial
contacts.[47] The location of company activities and its headquarters are essential factors in
evaluating whether there is sufficient contact. A similar test could be found in Helicopter, though the US Supreme Court rejected general
jurisdiction due to the lack of sufficient contact.[48] The Helicopter case also required a ‘continuous and
systematic connection’ with the forum state under the general jurisdiction test.[49] The ‘continuous
and systematic connection’ test prevailed in the last century but has been superseded by new tests
in past years.
- In Goodyear Dunlop Tires
Operations, S.A. v. Brown, the US Supreme Court established a new standard for
general jurisdiction for corporations. It has effectively constricted the scope of general jurisdiction
and put forward a new doctrine, ‘essentially at home’.[50] This doctrine emphasized the
scope and degree of substantial contact stipulated by International
Shoe. Under this approach, it is difficult to imagine that a corporation with
only a minimal physical presence in the forum could be considered ‘at home’ in that
forum.[51] Thus, geographical factors have regained importance in limiting the scope of
substantial contacts. As a result, a stable domicile and business location are more likely to give rise
to general jurisdiction. Furthermore, Daimler AG v. Bauman elaborated on the ‘at home’ principle.[52] In this case, Daimler, a German corporation, was sued in California. Since the
accident happened outside of California and Daimler’s contacts in California is unrelated to the litigation, specific jurisdiction could not be
established. Daimler could only be subject to
California’s jurisdiction if general jurisdiction can be established. The plaintiffs contended
that the subsidiary of Daimler maintained
substantial contact with California, which is sufficient to establish general jurisdiction for the
state. However, the court ultimately rejected this argument. The ‘at home’ principle was
reiterated as the standard for evaluating general jurisdiction several times throughout the case.
Furthermore, compared to Goodyear, Daimler clarified the concept of ‘at home’. The
court characterized an ‘at home’ corporation as one that is akin to a domestic corporation
within that State. In this instance, there was no principal place of business in California, and
therefore, Daimler was not subject to general
jurisdiction. This suggests that general jurisdiction could only be invoked for a corporation under a
limited set of circumstances.
- Pre-twentieth-century US judicial theory focused on
the state’s authority, without any consideration given to the nexus between the forum and the
cause of action.[53] However, the advent of specific jurisdiction shifted the focus to the location of the
dispute itself, rather than the defendant.[54] In Helicopter,
the court highlighted the significance of the cause of the lawsuit in determining
specific jurisdiction.[55] Similarly, in Goodyear, the court
emphasized the connection between the forum state and the underlying controversy.[56] In Walden v. Fiore, the defendant’s conduct was identified as the
necessary factor to constitute specific jurisdiction.[57] In this case, the defendant conducted a search
and seized a significant amount of cash from the plaintiffs in Georgia. Subsequently, the plaintiffs
filed a lawsuit against the defendant in their residence state, Nevada. However, the US Supreme Court
ruled that Nevada was not an appropriate forum state, given that the search and seizure took place
within Georgia. The Court reaffirmed that the assertion of specific jurisdiction over a defendant hinges
on the relationship between the defendant’s actions, the litigation and the forum state.
- Recent US judicial practice emphasizes the systematic
analysis of personal jurisdiction, encompassing both general and specific jurisdictions. In Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. v. Superior Court of California, the court conducted a comprehensive assessment,
taking into account the Due Process Clause and assessing the contact between the defendant and the forum
state. Regarding general jurisdiction, the court stated that a corporation must be incorporated or
headquartered in the forum state. As for specific jurisdiction, the lawsuit had to arise out of the
defendant’s contacts with the state.[58]
- It is evident that in both general and specific jurisdictions,
courts prioritize the relationship between the defendant and the forum over the traditional territorial
principle. Nevertheless, geographical factors have not diminished in significance. Domicile,
headquarters location, and business location remain crucial considerations for courts to assess general
jurisdiction. Although some scholars have claimed that the widespread adoption of specific jurisdiction
would lessen the importance of general jurisdiction,[59] judicial practices have not supported this
assertion. The systematic application of both types of jurisdiction is widely used, and the significance
of geographical considerations continues to persist.
3.6 Parties’ Consent?
- Consent is the voluntary and subjective assent to a
court’s jurisdiction.[60] As personal jurisdiction is a sort of individual right, it can be consented to,
utilized, or waived.[61] Furthermore, consent operates as an independent basis for jurisdiction that does not
require to go through the due process and minimum contact tests.[62] Consent can be expressed in diverse ways,
including through explicit terms or indirect methods that reflect the parties’ agreement as to the
most appropriate forum.[63] This section will examine the different forms of consent and the varying attitudes of
different states toward them.
- The United States has long recognized jurisdiction by consent. In
the early years, the concept of consent to jurisdiction was denied due to the belief that it offended
the courts’ authority. However, with the jurisprudential shift from sovereignty to fairness, the
courts have come to accept parties’ consent as a factor in jurisdiction evaluation. A state has
the authority to assert judicial jurisdiction over an individual or a corporate that has consented to
such jurisdiction. The court has jurisdiction when the individual enters an appearance as a defendant.
If a foreign corporation has authorized an agent or a public official to accept service of process of
proceedings in a state, the court of that state has jurisdiction over this corporation.[64]
- The clearest form of consent is manifested in a forum selection
clause contained in contracts.[65] In the case of Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc. v. Shute. In that case, the defendants
who suffered accidental injuries on the cruise tried to take the case to the California state court, but
the cruise line argued that the case should be heard in Florida under the terms of the contract. When
the defendants purchased the cruise tickets, they signed a contract where any disputes related to the
cruise should be resolved in a federal court in Florida. The US Supreme Court held that the contract was
valid and allowed the plaintiff to bring the case before the Florida court. This case clarified the
importance of the defendant’s consent in determining the jurisdiction, especially in contractual
disputes.[66]
- Implied consent is another form of consent, which means the
defendant consents to the jurisdiction of the court by actions. However, this approach is deemed as
high-risk and ought to be used stringently.[67] Consent by registration, a form of implied
consent, is a controversial approach. It means a corporation’s registration to do business in the
forum state as required under a state statute also constitutes the corporation consents to the
court’s jurisdiction.[68] However, different states have distinctive attitudes towards this approach. For
example, Minnesota requires every non-Minnesota corporation to have a registered office and
agent,[69] and
registering to do business implies submission to the jurisdiction of Minnesota.[70] In contrast, some states deny
mere registration as the basis of personal jurisdiction.[71] In judicial practice, different Circuit Courts
hold differing views regarding the significance of registration in determining jurisdiction.[72]
- In Canada, the CJPTA provides three methods by which a defendant may
consent to the court’s jurisdiction: (1) by invoking the court’s jurisdiction as plaintiff;
(2) by submitting to the court’s jurisdiction during the proceedings; and (3) by agreeing that the
court shall have jurisdiction.[73]
- Consent-based jurisdiction is also recognized in England[74] and Hong
Kong.[75] Similar provisions are found in New Zealand.[76]
- The Singapore courts also give effect to the choice
of forum clause in an agreement.[77] Jurisdictional agreement is classified into
exclusive and non-exclusive jurisdictional agreements. Under Orchard Capital I
Ltd v Ravindra Kumar Jhunjhunwala, the court opined that the jurisdiction
agreement is an essential factor in determining jurisdiction.[78]
- In the US, plaintiffs’ consent also plays a role in
establishing personal jurisdiction, as exemplified by Adam v.
Saenger.[79] In this case, the plaintiff initiated
litigation against the defendant in California. There was a counterclaim filed by the defendant. The US
Supreme Court affirmed that the plaintiff’s action of filing consent inherently extends to
counterclaims levied by the defendant against the plaintiff within the same case and
jurisdiction.[80] This underscores that the plaintiff’s consent serves as an underpinning for the
principle of personal jurisdiction.
3.7 Long-Arm Jurisdiction
- The US has a comprehensive long-arm jurisdiction
constitutional framework, which emanates from the International Shoe
case,[81] the landmark case that established the constitutional principles and limitations on a
state’s assertion of jurisdiction over non-residents. However, a court may subject a non-resident
defendant to the court’s jurisdiction only if the forum state provides a statutory basis for
exercising jurisdiction. Therefore, many states have codified laws that enabled courts to exercise
personal jurisdiction over out-of-state residents.[82]
- In the US, the long-arm jurisdiction jurisprudence is based on
several-prong criteria. Fundamentally, the exercise of long-arm jurisdiction must fulfil the requirement
of the Constitution and the principles established by the US Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the doctrines of
‘minimum contact’ and ‘fair play and substantial justice’ established by
International Shoe are still significant. In
World-Wide Volkswagen Corp. v. Woodson, it was established
that foreseeability is essential in the due process analysis.[83]
- In addition to the underlying principles, the determination of
long-arm jurisdiction should be based on regulations of states. State long-arm statutes fall into two
categories: (1) Single-act statutes, such as in Illinois and New York.[84] The long-arm statute of Illinois
was the first statute to adopt this enumeration method, which lists specific acts that can subject a
non-resident to the forum court’s jurisdiction.[85] (2) ‘Go to the limit’ statutes,
which allow courts to exercise jurisdictions under the due process standard in any
circumstances.[86] Utah, for example, states that ‘jurisdiction shall be exercised within the
maximum limits permitted by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment’.[87]
- State statutes are the fundamental basis of jurisdiction
jurisprudence. To date, every state either has a thorough long-arm regulation or case law that has
similar effect.[88] Illinois’ long-arm jurisdiction statute has been a reference point for many
states, and the Uniform Interstate and International Procedure Act also draws heavily from Illinois’ long-arm statute on torts.[89] For example, if the
tort occurs outside the state, the court can exercise jurisdiction provided that the defendant has a
continuing business connection within the state.[90] Specific rules vary among different
states. For instance, on the issue of contract
disputes, the long-arm statutes of some states only target contracts signed with residents of that
state, and these contracts must be partially or fully performed by the parties in the forum
state.[91] In
contrast, Illinois only requires that the commercial transactions related to the contract take place in
the state, and that the lawsuit arises from the relevant commercial activities.[92] Bowman
v. Curt G. Joa, Inc. in North Carolina further clarified that the long-arm
jurisdiction of contract disputes required substantial performance within the state, although North
Carolina’s long-arm statute only required that the contract is ‘partially or wholly’
to be fulfilled in the state.[93]
- In terms of the long-arm jurisdiction of the federal court, Article
4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides
the basis of the authority. It confers jurisdiction on the federal courts in three fundamental ways.
First, it empowers federal courts to use long-arm statutes of the states.[94] Second, it clarifies that
federal courts can obtain authorization to exercise long-arm jurisdiction from all applicable federal
statutes, including antitrust laws, securities laws, etc.[95] Third, in certain types of federal cases,
courts may obtain a ‘federal long-arm authorization’ within the limits of the Fifth
Amendment’s Due Process Clause.[96]
- Similar to the United States, provincial statutes and court rulings
in Canada regulate long-arm jurisdiction in civil proceedings. Section 3 Clause (e) of the CJPTA
stipulates that jurisdiction over non-residents is based on a real and substantial connection between
the jurisdictions in question and the facts on which the proceeding in question is based.[97] Van Breda v. Village Resorts Ltd (in 1987) established four
basic principles of long-arm jurisdiction in Canada: (1) ‘the Real and Substantial
Connection’ principle. Only cases that have a real and substantial connection with the province or
territory can be adjudicated. (2) Forum non conveniens principle. Canadian courts should hear cases in a convenient, fair, and economical
place, and should not be disadvantageous for either the plaintiff or the defendant. (3) Fairness
principle. Canadian courts should provide parties with fair judicial procedures. (4) Comity principle.
Canadian courts should follow the principles of international law and mutual respect for national
jurisdiction and try to avoid undue interference with foreign sovereign states. These basic principles
of long-arm jurisdiction in Canada have been further developed and applied in subsequent
cases.[98]
- Hong Kong and England share similar principles when it comes to
long-arm jurisdiction. Generally speaking, long-arm jurisdiction can be exercised in, but not limited to
the following situations: (1) Contract disputes that are signed locally or stipulate that obligations to
be performed locally, or where the contract is related to the locality.[99] (2) The fraud or misconduct is
locally relevant or the consequences occur locally.[100] (3) The acts or consequences of copyright
infringement occurred locally.[101] (4) The debtor has property in the local
area, or the place of performance of the debt is in the local area.[102] (5) Locally relevant
investment disputes or the outcome of investment disputes will affect local interests.[103] (6) when it
involves local private international law matters, such as divorce, custody and property division,
etc.[104]
- In Australia, under certain circumstances, the court has
jurisdiction over non-residents. The nature of the lawsuit and the defendant’s ties to Australia
may give the Australian court jurisdiction. In Waller v. Freehills, the court took the Corporations Act as a statutory resource to assume jurisdiction over a non-resident in
Australia.[105] Different policy interests come into play when the long-arm jurisdiction applies. In
corporate-related cases, the parliament places greater importance on safeguarding the interests of
Australian creditors and contributors. The selective application of long-arm jurisdiction reflects the
Australian government’s policy orientation.
- The long-arm jurisdiction regulation of India is relatively vague
and requires a case-by-case evaluation based on specific circumstances. Code of
Civil Procedure Article 20 (c) provides the statutory basis of this
jurisdiction.[106] In the case of (India TV) Independent News Service Pvt Limited
Vs. India Broadcast Live LLC and Ors., the court established jurisdiction over
foreign defendants. The defendants conducted business in India, earning a profit that adversely affected
the plaintiff’s business. Because the conflict arose in India, the court concluded that
India’s court had jurisdiction over the foreign defendants under the interpretation of Article 20
(c). In this case, the court established that there was minimum contact of the foreign parties with the
forum state in exercising the long-arm jurisdiction.[107]
- The approach in Singapore for long-arm jurisdiction is similar to
its common law counterparts.[108] A new approach, however, has been adopted by
the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC).[109] The SICC can exercise extraterritorial
service based on the parties’ jurisdiction agreement.[110] Thus, it is easier for the SICC to exercise
long-arm jurisdiction in cases involving foreign defendants as compared to traditional
courts.[111]
3.8 Limitation of the Personal Jurisdiction
- The Due Process Clause in the US establishes a
fundamental legal principle that the government must follow due process to protect the fundamental
rights of individuals, which is the most prominent constitutional limitation on personal jurisdiction.
For courts, the Due Process Clause has gradually become a significant factor in exercising jurisdiction,
especially personal jurisdiction.[112] Courts must examine the potential unfairness
to the defendant under the requirement of the Due Process Clause if it decides to exercise
jurisdiction.[113]
- The initial geographical limitation of jurisdiction was established
by Pennoyer. This territorial requirement restricted
the jurisdiction of the court within the state’s boundaries.[114] However, International Shoe[115] overruled the strict territorialism principle
by establishing the minimum contacts doctrine. This doctrine sets a new rule for personal jurisdiction.
Courts from then on must consider the connection between the defendant, the litigation, and the forum
state.
- The classification of general jurisdiction is also a limitation of
personal jurisdiction. In Goodyear, the Supreme Court
proposed the concept of ‘essentially at home’, limiting the scope of the general
jurisdiction to the domicile of natural persons and the registered or principal place of business of
legal persons.[116] Goodyear generated two results on
general jurisdiction in the US. First, it confirmed the standard of ‘substantial connection’
as a necessary condition for the application of general jurisdiction. Second, it limited the use of
nationwide general jurisdiction. The US Supreme Court held that only in extremely special circumstances
can a state court be considered to have nationwide general jurisdiction over a multinational
company.[117] Furtherly, Daimler reaffirmed the
‘at home’ test. Daimler clearly
pointed out that the company’s ‘home’, except for exceptional circumstances, should be
the registered place and principal place of business of the company, that is to say, only the courts of
these two places can exercise general jurisdiction over companies based outside the state.[118]
- As for specific jurisdiction, in the World-Wide Volkswagen Corp. v. Woodson case, the court focused
on whether there is ‘a fair trial for the defendant’, and held that the interests of
‘the defendant’s predictability’ outweighed other considerations such as the
convenience of the plaintiff’s litigation.[119] In the Bristol
case, Bristol was accused of
selling a prescription drug in California that caused injuries to hundreds of plaintiffs in California
and other states. The plaintiffs attempted to sue the company in California, but Bristol argued that California lacked special jurisdiction in
this case and that Bristol claimed that its sales in California were too small compared to its sales in
other states. Therefore, it does not form a basis for bringing the case to that state.[120] The US Supreme
Court held that in assessing the connection between the defendant and the jurisdictional court should
not only consider the claims made by the plaintiff, but more importantly, the defendant’s own
activities within the forum and whether these activities are related to the litigation. The decision has
had profound implications for the exercise of jurisdiction, especially in multistate cases in which the
defendant’s activities in a particular state may not be sufficient for the assertion of general
jurisdiction and at the same time, are unrelated to the litigation such that specific jurisdiction also
does not apply.[121] The above cases are considered examples of limitations on specific jurisdictions.
- Stricter restrictions and more concrete norms have refined the
previous broad jurisdiction regulations. Some scholars have relied on strict personal jurisdiction rules
to protect defendants from abuse.[122] Some are of the view that such limits arose
from the need to prevent the wrong state from exercising jurisdiction.[123] Nonetheless, the most
noticeable impact of these limitations is that the US Supreme Court’s effort to restrain the
expansion of in personam jurisdiction. The
court’s action has drawn criticism that it is reviving the strict territorial jurisdictional
doctrine of the past centuries.
- Personal jurisdiction was designed as an assertion of state
sovereignty, while venue takes a distinctive trajectory: aiming to bring the defendant into a fair
forum. Typically, venue statutes mandate that proceedings take place where the controversy originates or
where the defendant resides.[124] Specifically, it is unfair to bring the
defendant into a far-away forum. This doctrine, to some extent, operates as a restriction on personal
jurisdiction which otherwise could impose an unreasonable burden on the defendant. In this capacity, it
operates similarly to the reasonableness test that emerged in the post-International Shoe era.[125]
- In England, a defendant may be subject to a proceeding simply
because of his brief presence in England, which can sometimes result in injustice. Later, courts tended
to apply the doctrine of forum non conveniens to
limit personal jurisdiction. The doctrine allows a court to decline jurisdiction over a case if another
court may be a more appropriate forum for the case, considering factors such as convenience, costs, and
the interests of justice. The doctrine aims to prevent a plaintiff from taking unfair advantage of the
court’s jurisdiction over a case.[126] It is apparent that the doctrine of
forum non conveniens has proven effective in curbing
the abuse of geographical jurisdiction in the English legal system.
3.9 Discussion
- The evolving nature of jurisdiction regulations has seen a shift
away from strict geographical limitations to a focus on the various contacts between the defendant, the
litigation and the forum state. However, this increased flexibility has also given rise to
uncertainties, especially when multiple jurisdictions are deemed appropriate for the same case.
Additionally, expanding the jurisdictional scope may potentially encroach upon the sovereignty of other
states or countries. While disputes between states in the US can be resolved through the US Supreme
Court by the full faith and credit clause, jurisdictional disputes that encroach upon the sovereignty of
foreign countries are likely to elicit strong protests from such countries.
- The principles of predictability, rationality, and the ‘at
home’ concept have been instrumental in curbing the scope of personal jurisdiction, effectively
safeguarding defendants’ rights to a fair trial and ensuring justice in litigation. These
principles have been particularly helpful to multinational companies in mitigating legal risks. In
recent years, scholars observed a revival of Pennoyer.[127] For instance, in the Bristol case, the majority conceptualized restrictions on jurisdiction as stemming from the
‘territorial limitations’ inherent in state authority.[128] Likewise, the ‘at
home’ test of Daimler, to some extent, is a form
of geographical expression.
- The complicated personal jurisdiction rules have been the subject of
much criticism.[129] How to design a set of more predictable jurisdictional rules to balance the interests
of parties and maintain the sovereignty of states continues to be a problem. Scholars tried to alleviate
this problem by adopting multi-prong methods to evaluate the proper court and set forth some
proposals.[130]
- In summary, geographical jurisdiction has been a fundamental aspect
of personal jurisdiction. While the evolution of personal jurisdiction has shown fluctuations over time,
geographical factors have played a crucial role in maintaining predictability. However, with the
increasing prevalence of the internet and cyberspace, the role of geographical considerations in
personal jurisdiction has become more complex.
4 Civil Law System: Geographic Jurisdiction
4.1 Introduction
- In civil law jurisdictions, the allocation of jurisdiction is
established through statutory provisions, which divides the jurisdiction into distinct territories.
Consequently, each court exercises its jurisdiction solely within its respective territory. This legal
principle is commonly described as territorial jurisdiction. This form of jurisdiction can be further classified into four subcategories: general
territorial jurisdiction, specific territorial jurisdiction, consensual jurisdiction, and exclusive
jurisdiction.
4.2 General Territorial Jurisdiction – Defendant
Domicile
- In civil law jurisdictions, the territorial jurisdiction is
generally determined by the defendant’s connection with the state, which serves as a geographic
anchor through the defendant’s domicile. This connection dictates the appropriate court for legal
proceedings against the defendant and the enforceability of other procedural actions upon the
defendant.
- In Europe, civil law jurisdictions have similar
provisions for determining a defendant’s domicile. For example, in Germany and Norway, general
territorial jurisdiction is determined by defendant’s place of residence, while for legal persons,
it is determined by their registered seat.[131] France also has similar provisions, where the
jurisdiction is determined by the defendant’s place of domicile or residence, and for legal
persons, by their established place.[132] In cases where the defendant’s domicile
is unknown, Germany and Poland use the defendant’s last known residence to determine
jurisdiction,[133] Estonia relies on the last known domicile,[134] while Italy and France permit legal
proceedings to be initiated at the plaintiff’s domicile.[135]
- A large number of African countries have legal systems that are a
blend of different legal traditions, commonly known as mixed legal systems.[136] Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt,
for example, have legal systems derived from the French civil law tradition and Islamic legal
tradition.[137] Algeria and Tunisia were former French colonies that incorporated French laws during
the colonial period, while Egyptian leaders were influenced by the French Civil
Code of 1875 and subsequently adopted it into their legal
system.[138]
- Similar to civil law jurisdictions in Europe,
Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia utilize the domicile of the defendant as a means to establish general
jurisdiction.[139] Despite their reliance on French legal traditions, Algeria and Egypt do not distinguish
between legal and natural persons, while Tunisia departs from French practice by using the term
domicile to refer to a person’s place of
residence rather than their place of establishment.[140] In cases where the defendant’s domicile
is unknown, Algeria employs the defendant’s place of domicile as a means of establishing
jurisdiction,[141] Egypt utilizes the defendant’s place of residence to establish
jurisdiction,[142] and Tunisia has no provision for this situation.
- The territorial jurisdiction system in Asia can be
divided into two parts. Firstly, in West Asia, Dubai (where the federal law of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is applicable) and Iran have been
influenced by both Shariah law and the civil law system. In Turkey, the secularization reforms of the
twentieth century abolished the application of Islamic laws. These three countries place a significant
emphasis on the domicile of the defendant in establishing general jurisdiction.[143] In Dubai, if the defendant
does not have a domicile, their residence or workplace is typically presumed to serve as their domicile
for jurisdictional purposes.[144] In Iran, the plaintiff is provided with a
procedural option to proceed with the case. If the defendant has neither a fixed nor temporary domicile,
nor any immovable property, then the court having jurisdiction over the plaintiff’s domicile may
adjudicate the case.[145] Additionally, in cases where there are multiple defendants, the plaintiff in Turkey has
the option to choose the court in which one of the defendants is domiciled.
- Secondly, major East Asian jurisdictions have been
significantly influenced by German legal theories,[146] so the principle of the defendant’s
domicile applies to general jurisdiction across East Asia, although there are variations from region to
region. In mainland China, general jurisdiction applies to the courts located in the defendant’s
domicile, regardless of whether the defendant is a legal or natural person. In cases where the
defendant’s domicile does not correspond to their permanent residence, the courts located in the
place of permanent residence shall have jurisdiction over natural persons.[147] Unlike Mainland China, Taiwan
grants jurisdiction to both the court of residence and the court of domicile in cases where the cause of
action arises in the defendant’s place of residence.[148] Japan considers the principal office or
business office as the domicile of a legal person, and this provision has been transplanted by Taiwan
(which was once colonized by Japan) and South Korea.[149] Macau, a former colony of Portugal and
currently a special administrative region of China, also adopts the principle of the defendant’s
domicile. Macau courts have jurisdiction when the plaintiff is a resident of Macau while the defendant
is not. However, this provision applies only if the defendant files the same lawsuit in the court of its
own residence, and the plaintiff would be sued there.[150]
- In Québec, the general territorial
jurisdiction is governed by two key elements: (1) the domicile principle of the defendant and (2) in
instances where the defendant does not have a domicile in Québec, jurisdiction is determined by
the court of the defendant’s residence or, in the case of a legal entity, the court where the
defendant’s establishment or property is located.[151]
- As a result of Spanish (and in certain cases,
Portuguese) influence, several Latin American countries have adopted the principle of general
jurisdiction on the basis of the defendant’s domicile. For instance, Colombia adheres to this
principle, whereby the court of the defendant’s domicile has jurisdiction. If the defendant does
not have a domicile, then the court of their residence assumes jurisdiction. Similarly, if the defendant
does not have a residence in the country, the court of the plaintiff’s domicile takes
jurisdiction.[152] In Argentina, individuals without a permanent residence fall under the jurisdiction of
the court of the place of their location or last known residence.[153] Additionally, Venezuela
stipulates that if the defendant’s domicile or residence is unknown, the court in any location
where the defendant may be found will assume jurisdiction.[154] In Brazil, the principle of general
jurisdiction is based on the defendant’s domicile,[155] and when the defendant’s domicile is
uncertain or unknown, the court’s jurisdiction is decided by their location or the
plaintiff’s domicile. Specifically, when the defendant does not have domicile or residence in
Brazil, the court of the plaintiff’s domicile has jurisdiction.
4.3 Specific Territorial Jurisdiction – Conduct
and Property
- The determination of specific territorial jurisdiction is contingent
on the nature of the contact among the defendant, the relevant legal proceedings, and the
court.[156] Under the concept of specific jurisdiction, a court has jurisdiction because of a
particular activity, such as conduct or property, taking place within its territorial jurisdiction. In
cases where such activities occur in multiple locations, there may be several courts with jurisdiction
over the matter. Unlike general jurisdiction, in specific jurisdiction, the plaintiff can choose a court
outside of the defendant's domicile. The specifics of specific jurisdiction may vary from one civil
law jurisdiction to another, as they are determined by applicable statutes.
- Across most European civil law jurisdictions,
provisions for specific jurisdiction are in place, although their contents may vary. In France, for
example, there are four categories of specific jurisdiction, including contractual disputes, tort
disputes, mixed cases, and disputes related to the costs of marriage.[157] In Germany, there are ten
established categories of specific jurisdiction,[158] including contractual disputes which may be
heard in either the court located at the place of the defendant or the court located at the place of
performance.[159] In cases of tort, the court located in the place where the tort occurred holds
jurisdiction.[160] Additionally, in asset management disputes, the court located in the place where the
asset is managed has jurisdiction.[161] Spain’s system outlines 15 activities
that fall under specific jurisdiction, such as real estate disputes, intellectual property disputes,
contractual disputes, and others.[162] Estonia has an extensive list of 17 cases of
specific jurisdiction, including real estate disputes, consumer rights disputes, contractual disputes,
and others.[163] In addition to the aforementioned cases, Estonia, Poland, Russia, Belgium, and Croatia
also include labour disputes as a specific jurisdiction category.[164] In some of these countries,
labour disputes fall under exclusive jurisdiction, which means that only one court has the authority to
hear and decide such cases.
- In Africa, Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia have
established provisions for specific jurisdiction relating to property and conduct. In Algeria, specific
jurisdiction includes property in mixed actions, property in proceedings for criminal and administrative
damage, the conclusion or enforcement of agreements, commercial acts other than insolvency and judicial
liquidation, and disputes relating to postal operations.[165] Tunisia, like Algeria, includes damage caused
by crime in its specific jurisdiction. However, the two countries stipulate different competent courts:
Algeria prescribes the jurisdiction of the court where the property is located,[166] whereas Tunisia prescribes
the jurisdiction of the court where the damage occurred in the case of misdemeanours or
quasi-misdemeanours and the court where the offender was arrested in the case of criminal
offenses.[167] In addition to damage caused by crimes, Tunisia’s specific jurisdiction extends
to contractual disputes, disputes over movable property, disputes over bills of exchange or promissory
notes, and alimony disputes.[168] Egyptian law provides for specific
jurisdiction in various matters, such as commercial affairs, contractual disputes, labour disputes,
expenses disputes, insurance disputes, provisional measures, and enforcement disputes.[169]
- Dubai’s specific jurisdiction pertains exclusively to
contractual and insurance disputes, as well as actions related to existing or liquidated companies,
associations, or private institutions.[170] Specific jurisdiction does not extend to tort
disputes in Dubai. On the other hand, Turkey has a more comprehensive list of specific jurisdictions for
conduct and property, encompassing contract disputes, counterclaims, insurance contract disputes, and
tort disputes.[171] One potential explanation for this disparity is that Turkey has fully implemented
secularization reforms in its legal system, leading to the incorporation of specific jurisdiction over
property and conduct in line with civil law conventions.
- Similarly, East Asian regions adopt a specific enumerated approach
for determining jurisdiction. Mainland China, for example, outlines 10 types of actions that fall under
specific jurisdiction, including contract disputes, insurance disputes, negotiable instruments disputes,
company-related disputes, transport disputes, tort disputes, accident disputes, maritime damage
disputes, maritime salvage disputes, and general average disputes.[172] South Korea also includes
specific jurisdiction over conduct and property, such as real property actions, succession, tort
actions, and other related disputes.[173] Macau outlines a total of twelve specific
jurisdiction actions,[174] while Taiwan has 15 specific jurisdiction actions, all of which pertain to property and
conduct as well. Japan has a comprehensive set of provisions, which encompass various types of actions,
such as those related to contractual obligations, consumer contracts, and labour relations.[175]
- In Québec, there exist three distinct categories of specific
jurisdiction, namely: (1) applications for enforcing contractual obligations, (2) applications
pertaining to extracontractual civil liabilities, and (3) applications dealing with immovable property
as the subject matter.[176]
- The specific jurisdiction in Brazil encompasses actions where the
government, the Federal District, or the State is the defendant, along with actions concerning conduct
and creditor's rights.[177] Other countries in Latin America have a very
different enumeration of specific jurisdictions. Specific jurisdictions in Venezuela include actions
related to debt, immovable property, succession, partnership, and guardianship.[178] Colombia’s exclusive
jurisdiction covers a range of actions, including those related to family matters, both contractual and
non-contractual disputes, company-related matters, as well as property rights and immovable property
matters.[179] Costa Rica’s exclusive jurisdiction encompasses disputes regarding immovable
property, intellectual property, unfair competition, consumer protection, as well as debt-related
matters.[180]
4.4 Consensual Jurisdiction – Parties’
Choice or Consent
- In European civil law jurisdictions, parties are typically allowed
to choose the appropriate court through mutual consent. The key distinction lies in whether the parties
can attribute jurisdiction to a court that would not have had competence otherwise. Most jurisdictions
permit parties to agree to proceed before a particular court already has jurisdiction over the subject
matter. In Spain, the jurisdiction agreement is only considered valid if it is submitted to a court with
objective competence over the case.[181] In Croatia and Italy, if a court has
exclusive jurisdiction over a particular matter, parties have the option to arrange for an initial
hearing before another court that has relevant subject matter jurisdiction.[182] In France, any contractual
clause that violates the rules of territorial jurisdiction and allocation is generally considered void,
except in the case of contracts between two traders, where the clause is unambiguous.[183] The requirements
for jurisdiction agreements in Germany are similar to those in France. Such agreements must always
relate to a specific legal relationship and the resulting legal dispute, otherwise, they are considered
invalid. However, an exception exists if the parties to the agreement are merchants, legal persons under
public law, or special assets under public law. In such cases, if there is an express or implied
agreement by the parties, the court of first instance without jurisdiction may become the forum for
resolving the dispute.[184]
- In Russia, parties who are subject to exclusive jurisdiction are
allowed to alter the territorial cognizance for a particular case before it is accepted by the court,
without requiring subject matter jurisdiction.[185] Norway takes the concept of consensual
jurisdiction to an extreme level, where the parties are afforded unrestricted ability to exclude or
supplement both general and specific jurisdiction.[186] It is important to note, however, that in the
majority of European civil law systems, consensual jurisdiction remains subordinate to exclusive
jurisdiction.
- In most African jurisdictions, parties’ consent to a civil
relationship is also valued, and consensual jurisdiction is regulated. Algeria, for instance, has
provisions that are nearly identical to those of France, where any clause that assigns territorial
jurisdiction to a court that lacks jurisdiction shall be deemed null and void unless agreed between the
traders involved.[187] The main difference in consensual jurisdiction between Algeria and France is that
Algeria does not require the consensual clause to be ‘very clear’.[188] In Egypt, subject to the
provisions of general jurisdiction, both the court agreed upon by the parties and the court of the
defendant domicile have jurisdiction.[189] In other words, in Algeria and Egypt,
consensual jurisdiction is subject to the provisions of general jurisdiction, which means that the
parties cannot violate the general jurisdiction rules. In contrast, Tunisia does not provide for
consensual jurisdiction.
- In West Asian jurisdictions, there is a positive attitude towards
consensual jurisdiction. For example, Dubai's law stipulates that, subject to exclusive
jurisdiction, either the agreed court or the court of general jurisdiction may have
jurisdiction.[190] To put it differently, in Dubai, parties can agree on a court to have jurisdiction even
if it does not have a connection to the subject matter. As a highlight, Turkey offers a comprehensive
structure for consensual jurisdiction. Firstly, with the exception of exclusive jurisdiction, traders
and public legal entities can consent to jurisdiction by agreement, and litigation must be brought in
the court designated by the agreement, unless otherwise specified.[191] Secondly, the agreement must
be in writing, identify the legal relationship that caused the dispute, and specify the court with
jurisdiction.[192]
- Consensual jurisdiction is generally provided in most East Asia
jurisdictions. In Mainland China, consensual jurisdiction allows parties to agree in writing to choose
the jurisdiction of a court for disputes related to contracts or property rights and interests. The
agreed court can be in the defendant's domicile, the place of performance of the contract, the place
where the contract was concluded, the plaintiff's domicile, the place where the subject matter of
the dispute is located, or other places with a real connection to the dispute, subject to the provisions
of hierarchical and exclusive jurisdiction.[193] Mainland China also has provisions to
safeguard the interests of consumers, wherein a standard jurisdiction clause with a consumer is deemed
invalid if the operator is not able to offer reasonable notification to the consumer.[194] Similarly, in
Taiwan, consensual jurisdiction is limited to a specific legal relationship and requires a written
agreement, while not infringing on exclusive jurisdiction.[195]
- Consensual jurisdiction in South Korea is limited to the court of
first instance and requires a written agreement to be valid.[196] However, it should be noted that South
Korea's legal framework does not specify whether consensual jurisdiction may potentially contravene
exclusive jurisdiction or require a connection to the dispute. In contrast, in Japan, for consensual
jurisdiction to be recognized, two conditions must be satisfied: the action must arise from a specific
legal relationship, and the agreement must be in writing.[197] Japan accepts electronic records as
legitimate methods for executing the agreement.[198] In addition, Japan has established provisions
for consensual jurisdiction in consumer agreements and labour contracts, aimed at preventing the abuse
of unequal power imbalances by business operators and employers, and protecting disadvantaged consumers
and employees from being denied their rights and interests through standard-form contracts.[199]
- Unlike most civil law jurisdictions, which places constraints on
consensual jurisdiction (including exclusive jurisdiction and subject matter jurisdiction),
Québec takes a different approach and considers consensual jurisdiction valid as long as it does
not violate public order.[200]
- The concept of consensual jurisdiction holds
significant importance in numerous Latin American jurisdictions, with some even placing it in the first
article of the jurisdiction chapter of their civil procedure codes. In Cuba, for instance, the court
chosen by the parties, whether explicitly or implicitly, holds territorial jurisdiction.[201] However, in Cuba,
consensual jurisdiction must not conflict with exclusive jurisdiction, and there is no requirement for
the designated court to have a connection with the subject matter of the case. Similarly, in Mexico,
territorial jurisdiction can be extended through express or implied mutual consent,[202] suggesting the
absence of the requirements a real connection between the designated court and the case. In Venezuela,
the designation of courts has different requirements: territorial jurisdiction may be waived in favour
of consensual jurisdiction by agreement of the parties, except in cases where the public
prosecutor’s office must intervene, or cases that are expressly excluded by law.[203] Consensual
jurisdiction in Argentina is only enforceable if it is documented in writing.[204]
4.5 Exclusive Jurisdiction
- When a statute expressly designates exclusive jurisdiction, it takes
precedence over all other forms of territorial jurisdiction. Consequently, parties must proceed with
their civil case in the court with exclusive jurisdiction. This designation determines the sole court
with authority to preside over the case.
- In the majority of European jurisdictions, there are provisions for
exclusive jurisdiction regarding immovable property, as well as matters pertaining to succession, family
affairs, marriage, and judicial enforcement procedures. As an illustration, according to the
French Code of Civil Procedure, exclusive jurisdiction over
immovable property rests with the court located where the property is situated, while issues of
succession, such as partition, fall within the jurisdiction of the court with competence over such
matters.[205] Poland’s exclusive jurisdiction encompasses property rights, inheritance,
membership of legal entities, marriage, and matters related to parents and children.[206] Regarding judicial
procedures, Belgium governs exclusive jurisdiction over insolvency, judicial reorganization, disputes
relating to the application of tax law, as well as claims for preventive attachment and enforcement
measures.[207] In addition to exclusive jurisdiction over immovable property, Estonia, Russia, and
Germany also provide for exclusive jurisdiction in some less common situations. For instance, Estonia
has exclusive jurisdiction over petitions,[208] Russia provides exclusive jurisdiction over
transportation agreements as well as the protection of groups of persons,[209] and Germany provides
exclusive jurisdiction over a range of matters, including housing leases, environmental pollution caused
by factories, capital markets, debt collection and enforcement proceedings, as well as certain labour
disputes.[210]
- The provisions governing exclusive jurisdiction in certain African
jurisdictions bear strong resemblance to their European counterparts. Notably, in Algeria, the types of
cases falling under exclusive jurisdiction are almost twice as those under specific
jurisdiction.[211] In Tunisia, exclusive jurisdiction applies to a variety of proceedings, including those
involving the state participants, disputes relating to associations and companies, succession disputes,
and insolvency disputes.[212] In Egypt, the law specifies exclusive jurisdiction for real estate litigation, summary
proceedings, disputes within companies and associations, succession, and insolvency.[213] However, the
distinction between exclusive jurisdiction and specific jurisdiction in Egypt’s legislation is not
well defined, as there is no explicit language to differentiate between them. This lack of clarity can
be attributed to the fact that Egypt’s Civil and Commercial Procedure
Law has not undergone substantial revisions since its implementation in
1968.
- In West Asia, the jurisdictions of Dubai, Iran, and Turkey all apply
exclusive jurisdiction to disputes concerning succession and immovable property.[214] Dubai’s
exclusive jurisdiction also includes insolvency.[215] In Iran, exclusive jurisdiction extends
beyond succession and immovable property disputes to encompass other types of property
actions.[216] Exclusive jurisdiction in Iran is somewhat intricate, as it is tailored to the
country's distinctive cultural and social norms.
- Exclusive jurisdiction over immovable property is also present in
East Asian jurisdictions, albeit with some regional variations. For example, Taiwan limits exclusive
jurisdiction to disputes concerning immovable properties only.[217] In Mainland China, another two types of
exclusive jurisdiction are port operation disputes, and succession and inheritance disputes.[218] In addition to
immovable property rights, Macau’s exclusive jurisdiction encompasses the declaration of
insolvency for legal persons domiciled in the territory.[219] Meanwhile, Japan’s exclusive
jurisdiction covers corporate and legal person actions, as well as disputes related to intellectual
property.[220] The Civil Procedure Act of South
Korea does not explicitly define exclusive jurisdiction. Nonetheless, the Act’s provisions
excluding the application of general jurisdiction, specific jurisdiction, and consensual jurisdiction
under certain circumstances imply the existence of exclusive jurisdiction.[221]
- Québec’s exclusive jurisdiction encompasses a variety
of disputes, including those related to employment or consumer contracts, insurance contracts, personal
integrity, status or capacity, family matters, and successions.[222]
- In Brazil, exclusive jurisdiction covers personal property actions,
real property actions, succession disputes, actions where the defendant is absent, and cases involving
an incompetent defendant.[223] Moreover, Brazil’s constitution has established exclusive jurisdiction over
Indian rights actions, which must be heard in the court of the defendant's location if the plaintiff
is a trade union.[224]
- While Spain has had a significant influence on civil law countries
in Latin America, these countries do not necessarily replicate Spain’s exclusive jurisdictional
provisions. In Colombia, for example, exclusive jurisdiction covers eleven subjects, including property,
insolvency, succession, enforcement procedures, and others.[225] Not all Latin American jurisdictions have
established provisions for exclusive jurisdiction, as is the case with Venezuela. On the other hand,
Cuba’s exclusive jurisdiction is extensive, covering a total of 11 actions, including neighbouring
rights actions, work execution contract actions, the seizure of transports moored and parked in Cuban
ports and airports, and labour and social security actions.[226]
4.6 Limits of Territorial Jurisdiction
- Firstly, discrepancies in the provisions and interpretation of
domicile or permanent residence across different jurisdictions can easily lead to conflicts of
jurisdiction regarding general territorial jurisdiction. For instance, if Individual A is domiciled in
mainland China but has a residence in Germany and becomes a defendant in legal proceedings, both Chinese
and German courts may claim jurisdiction. Likewise, Company B, established in France but conducting
business in South Korea, may encounter a situation where the courts of both countries have jurisdiction,
resulting in conflicting claims.
- Secondly, another issue that may give rise to conflicts of
jurisdiction is the varying scope of actions falling under specific jurisdiction and exclusive
jurisdiction across different regions. For instance, succession may be classified as an exclusive
jurisdiction matter in some jurisdictions and a specific territorial jurisdiction matter in others.
These differences in legal provisions governing exclusive jurisdiction can create obstacles in the
recognition and enforcement of judgments. For instance, if Decedent A is domiciled in Japan and has left
an inheritance in mainland China, while Chinese courts may claim exclusive jurisdiction over the case,
under Japanese law, it is within the special jurisdiction of Japanese courts. If the Japanese court
accepts the case, the Chinese court may refuse to recognize and enforce the decision of the Japanese
court, arguing that the case falls under their exclusive jurisdiction. Similar situations may arise in
actions concerning tort, immovable property, and other matters.
- Thirdly, it is important to note that the civil law system primarily
relies on statutory law, which means that legal provisions are generally codified by statute and require
prompt adaptation to changing economic and social conditions. In regards to territorial jurisdiction in
torts, many civil law jurisdictions follow the general rule that the court with jurisdiction over the
case is where the tortious conduct occurred. However, the development of technology has led to
situations where determining the place of infringement can be challenging. For instance, cases involving
internet-based infringements may present controversial issues regarding the place where the infringement
occurred.[227] It can be challenging to ascertain the location of infringement when a website’s
server is situated in one place, but the website violates the rights of a person located in another
place, since it is uncertain whether the place of infringement is where the server or the affected
person is located.[228] In essence, the practical implementation of territorial jurisdiction may be hindered by
civil law systems that fail to adapt to the evolving social, cultural and technological norms.
- Fourthly, consensual jurisdiction is a common feature in most civil
law regions, albeit with some variations. Although some special circumstances may limit consensual
jurisdiction, such as the protection of consumers and workers, many countries have only a few
requirements for jurisdictional agreements, rarely restrict the scope of consensual jurisdiction, and
adopt a more lenient standard for written form. This approach is aimed at respecting the parties’
autonomy and enabling them to choose the competent court. Dubai, for instance, does not require the
court to have a connection to the subject matter.[229] Consensual jurisdiction in Norway may even
exclude both general jurisdiction and specific jurisdiction.[230] Additionally, the Japanese regulations on
consensual jurisdiction address the use of the Internet, acknowledging that a valid electronic agreement
holds the same legal weight as a physical document.[231] However, the lack of consistency or clarity
in defining the elements of consensual jurisdiction in different regions can lead to conflicts in
practice. For instance, South Korea does not provide clear guidelines on whether consensual jurisdiction
can override the provisions of exclusive jurisdiction or whether the court shall be relevant to the
dispute.[232] Conversely, Mainland China requires that the court chosen for consensual jurisdiction
shall have a connection to the subject matter.[233] In practice, it is possible for a Chinese
court to invalidate a jurisdictional agreement with a Korean or Norwegian party because they were
unaware of the Chinese requirements regarding consensual jurisdiction and did not choose a court that
has a connection to the subject matter.
4.7 Discussion
- It is crucial that the rules for determining the appropriate venue
are clear and objective to guarantee that the parties have a fair opportunity to present their case in
the appropriate forum. A few points need to be highlighted when discussing territorial jurisdiction in
civil law systems.
- Firstly, regarding general jurisdiction, the principle of the
defendant’s domicile aims to facilitate the court’s investigation of cases and verification
of evidence in the defendant’s location.[234] In the majority of civil law systems, the
principle of the defendant’s domicile serves as the foundation of territorial jurisdiction,
granting the court in the defendant’s domicile the authority to hear the case. This principle
offers several advantages: (1) It streamlines the court’s ability to summon the defendant to
appear in court and to take measures to safeguard property and advance enforcement. (2) It facilitates
the court to enforce a judgement against the losing defendant by using the defendant’s assets
within its jurisdiction.[235] (3) It prevents the plaintiff from abusing his right to sue,[236] meaning that the plaintiff
cannot select a court outside the defendant's domicile in an attempt to secure a more favourable
judgment in another jurisdiction.
- Nevertheless, the principle of the defendant’s domicile does
have its limitations. In a civil dispute, the plaintiff is often the party whose legal rights and
interests have been violated. Therefore, it may seem unjust that the law grants the defendant
‘home advantage’ of responding to litigation, while the plaintiff is compelled to bear the
time and financial costs of litigation and the risk of uncertainty.[237] For instance, a plaintiff may
need to undertake lengthy travel and retain legal counsel in another jurisdiction, resulting in
substantial litigation expenses.[238] These expenses make it challenging for
plaintiffs to assert their legal rights, potentially dissuading them from pursuing a lawsuit. In
addition, a defendant may be able to ‘forum shop’ by changing its domicile.[239] For instance, a
defendant (a legal person) may adjust their registration seat, established place, principal office, and
other locations to alter its domicile. In these scenarios, the defendant’s domicile may not be the
most proficient or equitable jurisdiction to consider the case.
- Colonization obviously played a role in shaping the jurisdictional
rules of a number of countries and regions. As an illustration, the regulations in Algeria and France
concerning consensual jurisdiction are remarkably similar. They both state that any provision conferring
territorial jurisdiction to a court lacking jurisdiction will be considered invalid, except when
mutually agreed upon by traders.[240] Additionally, a significant portion of the
German legal system is evident in East Asia. While countries like Spain, Portugal, Germany, and France
influenced the legal frameworks of many regions through colonization, it did not imply that the former
colonies adopted these legal provisions entirely. Instead, numerous regions merged former colonial laws
with their own legal systems to guarantee that these frameworks were more attentive to the demands and
aspirations of the local population.[241] For example, although the Algerian and French
provisions on consensual jurisdiction may be remarkably similar, there are differences in their use of
language, and Algeria does not mandate the consensual clause to be ‘very clear’ as France
does.[242]
- Thirdly, there are substantial variations in the
specific regulations that govern territorial jurisdiction between common law and civil law systems. One
critical distinction is that common law systems acknowledge territorial jurisdiction beyond the
defendant’s domicile principles, while civil law systems typically only recognize the
defendant’s domicile, and the dispute must arise within the territory of the civil law system. The
common law system adopts in personam jurisdiction, meaning that the court can assert
jurisdiction over a case if the defendant resides within the court’s territorial area, maintains
communication with the court, or receives legal notice.[243] Even in situations where both the plaintiff
and defendant are not domiciled within the court’s territorial area and the cause of action is not
relevant to that area, the court can still obtain in personam jurisdiction over the individual defendant through the actual service of
process.[244] In addition to the in personam jurisdiction, the common law system also recognizes other territorial jurisdiction such
as parties’ consent, in rem jurisdiction,
and quasi in rem jurisdiction.[245] Consent of the
parties pertains to scenarios in which the defendant has contractually or otherwise agreed to submit to
the jurisdiction of the court. On the other hand, in rem or quasi in rem jurisdiction
pertains to cases in which the court has jurisdiction over the object or property in a particular
location, rather than having jurisdiction over the parties involved.[246] Within civil law systems, the
regulations regarding territorial jurisdiction are more stringent and grounded on the principle of the
defendant’s domicile.[247] This implies that the jurisdictional power of
the court is limited to cases that have arisen within its territorial boundaries, encompassing matters
such as properties located, contracts entered into, or torts committed within its jurisdictional
purview. If a dispute occurred outside the territory of the court, it would fall outside its
jurisdictional authority. However, there are a few civil law regions where, through consensual
jurisdiction, parties may agree to submit a case to the jurisdiction of a court that would not otherwise
have jurisdiction.[248]
- The clarity of statute laws and codes in the civil law system
further reinforces its predictability, providing judges, legal professionals, and parties with
unambiguous guidelines for resolving legal disputes. This predictability is particularly valuable to
businesses and individuals who must make decisions based on the law, such as whether to engage in a
contract or how to pursue a legal claim.[249]
5 Concluding Remarks
- Geographic jurisdictional rules vary across different legal systems.
Under the common law system, geographical jurisdiction is prominently manifested through the principles
of jurisdiction in personam and jurisdiction
in rem. Jurisdiction in
personam refers to the court’s jurisdiction over the defendant, and
it typically depends on the defendant’s residence or the location of the conduct in question,
while jurisdiction in rem refers to the
jurisdiction of the court over the object or property in litigation, usually depending on the location
of the properties. In contrast, civil law geographical jurisdiction is primarily based on the
defendant's domicile. Under this system, courts usually have jurisdiction only if the
defendant’s domicile is within their jurisdiction, without regard to the location of the property.
- Under the common law system, jurisdiction over foreign parties
generally follows the contact principle, which allows a competent court to govern a case as long as it
has a substantial connection or certain contact with the matter at hand. The civil law system, on the
other hand, applies the principles of nationality, domicile, and de
facto jurisdiction, which are relatively strict and conservative when it
comes to jurisdiction over foreign parties. Moreover, with the advancement of the Internet, cross-border
civil cases are becoming increasingly common. To meet the demands of these cases, both common law and
civil law systems are actively exploring and enhancing their jurisdictional rules for cross-border
Internet civil cases. In common law systems, courts determine jurisdiction based on factors such as the
subject matter of the website and the location of its primary activity.[250] In the civil law system,
jurisdiction is determined based on factors such as the defendant’s domicile, server location, and
the number of users involved.[251]
- The advent of the Internet and the rapid development in
communication and transaction capabilities present numerous challenges to the concept of territorial
jurisdiction.[252] Domicile, commonly defined as a defendant’s permanent or physical residence in
civil law, can become ambiguous on the internet. For instance, an individual or entity may physically
reside in one country, while their online presence and operations are centralized in another country
with servers located in yet another country.
- Another challenge is the involvement of multiple parties in
different jurisdictions in online disputes.[253] For instance, in online purchasing, the
buyer, seller, and transaction platform may each be located in a different country. Consequently, many
courts may have jurisdiction over the dispute simultaneously, leading to difficulties in determining
which court should preside over it. As legal provisions differ significantly across regions and
conflicts may arise even within the same region due to multiple jurisdictions, the same case may have
vastly different outcomes if heard in different jurisdictions.
- A further challenge is that online acts are frequently replicated
and disseminated multiple times, making it challenging to identify the defendant.[254] As cyberspace
comprises of numerical values, data, graphics, and other forms of information, the participants'
identities are virtual.[255] The virtualization of online identities is primarily evidenced through the electronic
textualization of identities, which entails utilizing a variety of information, primarily textual and
graphical symbols, to depict a person’s identity.[256] In other words, the use of anonymous
identities is widespread, and in many cases, the website operator cannot disclose information about the
unknown person's identity and location,[257] making it exceedingly difficult to ascertain
an individual’s genuine identity, domicile, or residence on the Internet.[258] Identifying the physical
location of a computer becomes less valuable in instances of infringement where the infringing activity
occurs in a publicly accessible computer, such as an internet café or a library.[259] If the
defendant’s identity and domicile is hard to be determined, the plaintiff is unlikely to be able
to initiate legal proceedings against the defendant.
- It’s crucial for individuals to have the ability to seek legal
redress and protect their rights, and territorial jurisdiction must be structured to prevent any party
from gaining an unfair advantage within the jurisdiction through improper tactics.[260] The level of
certainty and predictability of territorial jurisdiction is of paramount importance, as it provides
citizens with the assurance that the legal system will enable them to exercise their rights and settle
disputes in a reliable and consistent manner.[261]
Abbrevations and Acronyms
ACCP
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Argentina)
|
ADR
|
Alternative Dispute Resolution
|
ANCCPC
|
Argentine National Civil and Commercial Procedural Code
(Argentina)
|
Art
|
Article/Articles
|
BRCCP
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Brazil)
|
CCAP-Algeria
|
Code of Civil and Administrative Procedure (Algeria)
|
CCCP-COL
|
Code of Procedure (Columbia)
|
CCCP-Tunisia
|
Code of Civil and Commercial Procedure (Tunisia)
|
CCP-Costa
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Costa Rica)
|
CCP-Cuba
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Cuba)
|
CCPL-Egypt
|
Civil and Commercial Procedure Law (Egypt)
|
CCP-Macau
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Macau)
|
cf
|
confer (compare)
|
ch
|
chapter
|
CJJA
|
Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 (UK)
|
CJPTA
|
Court Jurisdiction and Proceedings Transfer Act (Canada)
|
CNCPL
|
The Civil Procedure Law (Mainland China)
|
CPA-Korea
|
The Civil Procedure Act (South Korea)
|
CPL-Iran
|
The Civil Procedure Law (Iran)
|
CPL-UAE
|
The Civil Procedures Law (UAE)
|
ed
|
editor/editors
|
edn
|
edition/editions
|
eg
|
exempli gratia (for example)
|
etc
|
et cetera
|
EU
|
European Union
|
ff
|
following
|
fn
|
footnote (external, ie, in other chapters or in citations)
|
FRCCP
|
Code of Civil Procedure (France)
|
GCCP
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Germany)
|
GDPR
|
General Data Protection Regulation (EU)
|
GW-Belgium
|
Judicial Code 2017 (Belgium)
|
HRCCP
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Croatia)
|
ibid
|
ibidem (in the same place)
|
ICPR
|
Civil Procedure Regulations (Israel)
|
ie
|
id est (that is)
|
ILCS
|
Illinois Compiled Statutes 2010 (US)
|
ITCCP
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Italy)
|
JCCP
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Japan)
|
MXCCP
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Mexico)
|
n
|
footnote (internal, ie, within the same chapter)
|
no
|
number/numbers
|
NZ
|
New Zealand
|
para
|
paragraph/paragraphs
|
PD
|
Practice Direction
|
PDPACP
|
Pre-Action Conduct and Protocols
|
PLCCP
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Poland)
|
pt
|
part
|
RCCP
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Russia)
|
RSC Order
|
Rules of the Supreme Court (UK)
|
SCC
|
Supreme Court Canada
|
SCCP
|
Civil Procedure Act (Spain)
|
Sec
|
Section/Sections
|
SICC
|
Singapore International Commercial Court
|
supp
|
supplement/supplements
|
TCCP
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Turkey)
|
trans/tr
|
translated, translation/translator
|
TsMs-Estonia
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Estonia)
|
TVL-Norway
|
The Dispute Act (Norway)
|
TWCCP
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Taiwan)
|
UAE
|
United Arab Emirates
|
UK
|
United Kingdom
|
UKCPR
|
Civil Procedure Rules (UK)
|
UP
|
University Press
|
US / USA
|
United States of America
|
USFRCP
|
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (US)
|
v
|
versus
|
VCCP
|
Code of Civil Procedure (Venezuela)
|
vol
|
volume/volumes
|
Legislation
National
Admiralty Act 1988 (Australia).
Ark. Code Ann. 2021 (US).
Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 (England).
Codice di procedura civile (Code of Civil Procedure) 1865 (Italy).
Constitution of the United States (US).
Courts of Judicature Act 1964 (Malaysia).
Código de Procedimiento (Civil Code of Civil Procedure) 2015 (Costa
Rica).
Código de Procedimiento (Code of Procedure) 2014 (Colombia).
Código de Procedimiento Civil (Code of Civil Procedure) (Mexico).
Código de Procedimiento Civil (Code of Civil Procedure) 1990
(Venezuela).
Código de Procedimiento Civil y Comercial (Code of Civil and Commercial
Procedure) 2015 (Argentina).
Código de procesos (Code of Procedure) (Cuba).
Código de Processo Civil (Code of Civil Procedure) 2015 (Brazil).
District Court Act 2016 (NZ).
District Court Rules (HK).
District Court Rules (NZ).
Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Australia).
Federal Court Rules (Australia).
Federal Courts Act 1985 (Canada).
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 2020 (US).
Fourteenth Amendment of 9 July 1868 (US).
Code of Civil Procedure 2023 (France).
Code of Civil Procedure (Germany).
Gerechtelijk Wetboek (Judicial Code) 2017 (Belgium).
High Court of Australia Act 1979 (Australia).
High Court Ordinance (HK).
High Court Rules (HK).
High Court Rules (NZ).
HUKUK MUHAKEMELERİ KANUNU (Code of Civil Procedure) 2011 (Turkey).
Idaho Code 2021 (US).
Illinois Compiled Statutes 2010 (US).
ILL.–Smith-Hurd Ann. 2008 (US).
Judicature Act 1908 (NZ).
Kodeks postępowania cywilnego (Code of Civil Procedure) 1964 (Poland).
Maritime Transport Act 1994 (NZ).
Merchant Shipping (Jurisdiction and Judgments) Ordinance (HK).
MINN. STAT. 2021 (US).
Miss. Code Ann. 1991 (US).
Mont. Code Ann. 2021 (US).
N.Y.– McKinney’s CPLR 2008 (US).
New Zealand International Private Law Act (NZ).
Code of Civil Procedure (Poland).
Rules of Court 2021 (Singapore).
Supreme Court of Judicature Act (Singapore).
Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. 1985 (US).
The Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (England).
The Code of Civil Procedure 1908 (India).
Tsiviilkohtumenetluse seadustik (the Code of Civil Procedure) 2005 (Estonia).
TsMs-Estonia 2005 (Estonia).
Tvisteloven (The Dispute Act) 2005 (Norway).
Uniform Court Jurisdiction and Proceedings Transfer Act 2021 (Canada).
Uniform Interstate and International Procedure Act (US)
United States Codes (US)
Utah Code Ann. 2016 (US).
Zakon o parničnom postupku (Code of Civil Procedure) 2003 (Croatia).
Zivilprozessordnung (Code of Civil Procedure) 2021 (Germany).
Грамадзянска-працэсуальны
кодэкс (Code of Civil Procedure) 2003 (Russia).
قانون
الإجراءات
المدنية (The Civil Procedures Law) 2018 (UAE).
قانون
الإجراءات
المدنية
والإدارية (Code of Civil and Administrative Procedure)
2008 (Algeria).
قانون
المرافعات
المدنية
والتجارية (Civil and Commercial Procedure Law) 1994
(Egypt); قانون المرافعات
المدنية
والتجارية (Code of Civil and Commercial Procedure)
2018 (Tunisia).
قانون آیین
دادرسی مدنی (The Civil Procedure Law) 1970
(Iran).
민사 소송법 (The Civil Procedure Act) 2020 (South
Korea).
中华人民共和国民事诉讼法
(The Civil Procedure Law) 2021 (Mainland China).
最高人民法院关于适用《中华人民共和国民事诉讼法》的解释
(Interpretation of the Supreme People’s Court on the Application of the Civil Procedure Law of
Mainland China) (China).
民事訴訟法 (Code of Civil Procedure) 2021
(Taiwan).
民事訴訟法典 (Code of Civil Procedure) 2022
(Japan).
民事訴訟法典 (Code of Civil Procedure) 2022
(Macau).
Cases
International/Supranational
Adams v Cape Industries plc, (Court of Appeal of England
and Wales), judgment 13 December 1990 [Ch UK 433].
Agbaje v. Agbaje, (Supreme Court, UK), judgment 20 October
2010 [13 UKSC].
AK Investment CJSC v Kyrgyz Mobil Tel Ltd, (Commercial Court
of England and Wales High Court), judgment 25 October 2011 [3017 UK (comm)].
Soleymani v Nifty Gateway LLC (England and Wales High
Court), judgment 24 March 2022 [773 UK (Comm)].
Deutsche Bank AG v Sebastian Holdings Inc & Anor,
(Commercial Court of England and Wales High Court) judgment 15 July 2022 [2057 UK (comm)].
National
Pennoyer v. Neff, No 720 (Supreme Court, US) [95 US 714
(1878)].
McDonald v. Mabee, No 343 (Supreme Court, US) [243 US 90
(1917)].
Adam v. Saenger, No 197 (Supreme Court, US) [303 US 59
(1938)].
International Shoe Co. v. Washington, No 107 (Supreme Court,
US) [326 US 310 (1945)].
Perkins v Benguet Consolidated Mining Co., No 414-415
(Supreme Court, US) [342 US 437 (1952)].
McGee v. International Life Insurance Co., No 223 (Supreme
Court, US) [355 US 220 (1957)].
Bowman v Curt G. Joa, Inc., No 710-711 (4th Circuit Court of
Appeals, US) [361 F.2d 706 (1966)].
Rio Tinto Zinc Corporation v Westinghouse Electric Corporation, No 2 (House of Lords, UK), judgment 1 December 1977 [1 AII ER 434].
MacShannon v Rockware Glass Ltd, (House of Lords, UK),
Judgment 26 January 1978 [10126-6 UK].
World-Wide Volkswagen Corp. v Woodson, No 300 (Supreme Court,
US) [444 US 297 (1980)].
Ins. Corp. of Ir. v Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee [456 US 694 (1982)].
Helicopteros Nacionales de Colombia, S.A. v Hall, No 411
(Supreme Court, US) [466 US 408 (1984)].
Stewart Org. v Ricoh Corp. [487 U.S. 22, 31
(1988)].
Burnham v. Superior Court, No 89-44 (Supreme Court, US) [495
US 604 (1990)].
Voth v Manildra Flour Mills Pty Ltd, No 236 (High Court,
Australia), Judgment 13 December 1990 [171 CLR 538].
Knowlton v Allied Van Lines, Inc. (8th circuit Court, US)
[900 F.2d 1196, 1200 (1990)].
Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc. v Shute, No 593 (Supreme Court,
US) [499 US 585 (1991)].
Shaffer v. Heitner, 197 (Supreme Court, US) [433 US 186
(1997)].
John Pfeiffer Pty Ltd v Rogerson, No 278 (High Court,
Australia), Judgment 21 June 2000 [203 CLR 503].
NBC Universal v NBC Universal.com (United States District
Court, E. D. Virginia, US), Judgment 14 July 2005 [378 F. Supp. 2d 715 (E.D. Va. 2005)].
Independent News Service Pvt Limited v India Broadcast Live LIC and Others Versus
Linda, (Sanjay Kishan Kaul, India), Judgment 10 July 2007 [ILR 2 Delhi 1231].
Waller v Freehills, (Federal Court, Australia) Judgment 30
September 2009 [FCAFC 89].
Lucasfilm Ltd. v Ainsworth, (Supreme Court, UK), Judgment 27
July 2011 [39 UK].
Goodyear Dunlop Tires Operations, S.A. v Brown, No 131
(Supreme Court, US) [131 S.Ct. 2846 (2011)].
Club Resorts Ltd. v Van Breda, (Supreme Court of Canada,
Canada), Judgment 2012 [2012 SCC 17].
Orchard Capital I Ltd v Ravindra Kumar Jhunjhunwala, (Court
of Appeal, Singapore) Judgment 24 February 2012 [SGCA 16, 2 SLR 519].
Van Breda v Village Resorts Ltd, (Supreme Court, Canada),
Judgment 23 March 2012 [2012 SCC 17].
Daimler AG v Bauman, No 760 (Supreme Court, US) [134 S.Ct.
746 (2014)].
Walden v Fiore, No 134 (Supreme Court, US) [134 S.Ct. 1115
(2014)].
Chevron Corp v Yaiguaje, (Supreme Court of Canada, Canada),
Judgment 2015 [2015 SCC 42].
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. v Superior Court of California, [137
S.Ct. 1773 (2017)].
Daimler AG v Bauman, No 760 (Supreme Court, US) [134 S.Ct.
746 (2014)].
DeLeon v BNSF Ry. Co, [426 P.3d 1 (2018)].
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Weintraub J, ‘A Map Out of the Personal Jurisdiction Labyrinth’ (1994) 28
UC Davis Law Review 531.
Weinstein J, ‘The federal common law origins of judicial jurisdiction:
Implications for modern doctrine’ (2004) Virginia Law Review 169.
Yip M, ‘The resolution of disputes before the Singapore International
Commercial Court’ (2016) 65 International & Comparative Law Quarterly 439.
Yip M, ‘The Singapore International Commercial Court: The Future of
Litigation’ (2019) 12 Erasmus Law Review 82.
Peter C H Chan
[1] J W Gough,
Fundamental Law in English Constitutional History (The Clarendon
Press 1955).
[2] McDonald v.
Mabee, No 343 (Supreme Court, US) [243 US 90 (1917)].
[3] S Dodson, ‘Personal
Jurisdiction and Aggregation’ (2018) 113 Northwestern University Law Review 1, 9.
[4] A Rahman, ‘Personal
Jurisdiction on the Internet: A Global Perspective’(2015) 14 Journal of Internet Commerce 114,
117-119.
[5] See P M North, G C Cheshire and J J
Fawcett, ‘Cheshire and North’s Private International Law’ (1999) Oxford University
Press, 296.
[6] Constitution of the United States
[Amendments V and XIV] (US).
[7] Pennoyer v.
Neff, No 720 (Supreme Court, US) [95 US 714 (1878)].
[8] International Shoe Co. v. Washington, No 107 (Supreme Court, US) [326
US 310 (1945)].
[9] M Vitiello, ‘Limiting Access
to U.S. Courts: The Supreme Court’s New Personal Jurisdiction Case Law’ (2015) 21 UC Davis
Journal of International Law and Policy 209, 212.
[10] McGee v.
International Life Insurance Co., No 223 (Supreme Court, US) [355 US 220
(1957)].
[11] Burnham
v. Superior Court, No 89-44 (Supreme Court, US) [495 US 604 (1990)].
[12] R M Bloom and J A Hanrahan,
‘Back to the Future: The Revival of Pennoyer in Personal Jurisdiction Doctrine and the Demise of
International Shoe’ (2019) 56 San Diego Law Review 581, 598.
[13] For historical reasons, Canada
has two legal systems: the statutory system followed in Québec and the common law system applied
in all other provinces and territories. This part concerning common law will only discuss Canada except
for Québec and the civil law system of Québec will be introduced in the next part.
[14] See Uniform Court Jurisdiction
and Proceedings Transfer Act 2021 [Part 2,3] (Canada).
[15] J Blom, ‘The Court
Jurisdiction and Proceedings Transfer Act and the Hague Conference’s Judgments and Jurisdiction
Projects’ (2018) 55 Osgoode Hall Law Journal 257, 261-263.
[16] See Club
Resorts Ltd. v Van Breda, (Supreme Court of Canada, Canada), judgment 2012 [2012
SCC 17]. The four presumptive factors include:
(a) the defendant is domiciled or resides in the province; (b) the defendant conducts business within
the province; (c) a tort was committed within the province; (d) a contract related to the dispute was
concluded in the province.
[17] Chevron Corp v Yaiguaje, (Supreme Court of Canada, Canada),
Judgment 2015 [2015 SCC 42] para 81.
[18] V Black, ‘Simplifying
Court Jurisdiction in Canada’ (2012) 8 Journal of Private International Law 411, 423-427.
[19] See Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 [Part II Schedule 4]
(England).
[20] See the Rules of the High Court
[Orders 10 and 11] (HK).
[21] N H Wah, ‘Hong Kong
Courts’ Jurisdiction to Enforce Intellectual Property Rights Infringed by Internet Contents’
(2005) 35 Hong Kong Law Journal 367, 370-372.
[22] Federal Court of Australia Act
[19A-19D] (Australia); Federal Court Rules [6.01-6.05] (Australia).
[23] Voth v Manildra Flour Mills Pty Ltd, No 236 (High Court,
Australia), Judgment 13 December 1990 [171 CLR 538]; John Pfeiffer Pty Ltd
v Rogerson, No 278 (High Court, Australia), Judgment 21 June 2000 [203 CLR
503].
[24] High Court Rules [6.27-6.37]
(NZ); District Court Rules [4.3-4.14] (NZ); New Zealand International Private Law Act [8-11]
(NZ).
[25] The Code of Civil Procedure 1908
[Sec 20] (India).
[26] Courts of Judicature Act 1964
[23(b)] (Malaysia).
[27] M E Cohn, ‘Jurisdiction in
Actions in Rem and in Personam’ (1929) 14 St. Louis Law Review 170, 170-173.
[28] T R Lee, ‘In Rem
Jurisdiction in Cyberspace’ (2000) 75 Washington Law Review 97, 111.
[29] Shaffer
v. Heitner, 197 (Supreme Court, US) [433 US 186 (1997)].
[30] With the emergence of multiple
methods of judging jurisdiction, the straight geographical approach fades out of use when the minimum
contact was prevailing. However, in the latest years, in rem jurisdiction showed potential to deal with cyberplace-related jurisprudence.
[31] NBC
Universal v NBC Universal.com, Judgment 14 July 2005 (United States District
Court, E. D. Virginia, US), [378 F. Supp. 2d 715 (E.D. Va. 2005)].
[32] Federal Courts Act
1985 [R.S.C., c. F-7, 22] (Canada).
[33] Uniform Court Jurisdiction and
Proceedings Transfer Act (n 14) Part2, 5.
[34] Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments
Act (n 19) Schedule 4, F13 (a).
[35] Merchant Shipping (Jurisdiction
and Judgments) Ordinance [Art 17, 18] (HK); High Court Ordinance [Art 22(2)(a), 22(2)(b)] (HK).
[36] Federal Court of Australia Act
1976 (n 22) Art32, 39; High Court of Australia Act 1979 [Art75] (Australia); Admiralty Act 1988 [Art18,
19] (Australia); District Court Act 2016 [Art 7] (NZ); Judicature Act 1908 [Art12] (NZ); Maritime
Transport Act 1994 [Art39, 40, 50] (NZ).
[37] The Code of Civil Procedure (n
25) Sec 17.
[38] Courts of Judicature Act (n 26)
23(d).
[40] E J Cabraser, ‘In Rem,
Quasi in Rem, and Virtual in Rem Jurisdiction Over Discovery’ (2009) 10 Sedona Conference Journal
253, 260-262.
[41] J F Finston, ‘New
York’s Attachment Statute and Seider V. Roth Held Valid under Shaffer V. Heitner (Intermeat, Inc.
V. American Poultry Inc.; O’Connor V. Lee-Hy Paving Corp.)’ (2012) 53 St John’s Law
Review 9, 15.
[42] Shaffer
v. Heitner (n 29).
[44] International Shoe Co. v Washington (n 8).
[45] C W Rhodes, ‘Clarifying
General Jurisdiction’ (2003) 34 Seton Hall Law Review 807, 842-846.
[46] A T von Mehren, D T Trautman,
‘Jurisdiction to Adjudicate: A Suggested Analysis’ (1966) 79 Harvard Law Review 1121, 1127.
[47] Perkins
v Benguet Consolidated Mining Co. Et Al., No 414-415 (Supreme Court, US) [342 US
437 (1952)].
[48] Helicopteros Naciomales de Colombia, S.A. v Hall, No 411 (Supreme
Court, US) [466 US 408 (1984)].
[50] Goodyear
Dunlop Tires Operations, S.A. v Brown, No 131 (Supreme Court, US) [2846 US
(2011)].
[51] A M Trammell, ‘A Tale of
Two Jurisdictions’ (2015) 68 Vanderbilt Law Review 501, 504-506.
[52] Daimler
AG v Bauman, No 760 (Supreme Court, US) [34 US 746 (2014)].
[54] M Twitchell, ‘The Myth of
General Jurisdiction’ (1988) 101 Harvard Law Review 610, 613.
[55] Helicopteros Naciomales de Colombia, S.A. v Hall (n 50).
[56] Goodyear
Dunlop Tires Operations, S.A. v Brown (n 52).
[57] Walden v
Fiore, No 134 (Supreme Court, US) [571 US (2014)].
[58] Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. v Superior Court of California, Judgment
2017 [137 S.Ct. 1773, 1777-78].
[59] A T von Mehren and D T Trautman
(n 48) 1144, 1164.
[60] J L Rensberger, ‘Consent
to Jurisdiction Based on Registering to Do Business: A Limited Role for General Jurisdiction’
(2021) 58 San Diego Law Review 309, 328-330.
[61] Ins.
Corp. of Ir. v Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee (Supreme Court, US) [456
U.S. 694, 703 (1982)].
[62] T J Monestier,
‘Registration Statutes, General Jurisdiction, and the Fallacy of Consent’ (2015) 36 Cardozo
Law Review 1343, 1375.
[63] Stewart
Org. v Ricoh Corp. (Supreme Court, US) [487 U.S. 22, 31 (1988)].
[64] Restatement of the Law, Second,
Conflict of Laws [§33, 34, 44, 45] (US).
[65] M E Solimine,
‘Forum-Selection Clauses and the Privatization of Procedure’ (1992) 25 Cornell International
Law Journal 51, 58-59.
[66] Carnival
Cruise Lines, Inc. v Shute, No 593 (Supreme Court, US) [499 US 585 (1991)].
[67] R A Epstein, ‘Consent, Not
Power, as the Basis of Jurisdiction’ (2001) University of Chicago Legal Forum 1, 5.
[68] T J Monestier (n 64).
[69] See MINN. STAT. 2021
[§303.10] (US).
[70] See Knowlton v A llied Van Lines, Inc., (8th circuit Court, US) [900 F.2d 1196, 1200 (1990)].
[71] See Ark. Code Ann. 2021
[§4-20-115]; Idaho Code 2021 [§30-21-414]; Mont. Code Ann. 2021 [§35-7-115].
[72] For example, under Daimler, the registration only was regarded as a factor to count
contacts. See Daimler AG v Bauman, No 760 (Supreme
Court, US) [34 US 746 (2014)]. The different opinion can be found in the expression of the court under
DeLeon v. BNSF Railway Co. The court insisted that
registration is equal to consent general personal jurisdiction in Montana. See DeLeon v BNSF Ry. Co [426 P.3d 1 (2018)].
[73] See Uniform Court Jurisdiction
and Proceedings Transfer Act (n 14) Part 2,3 (a)(b)(c).
[74] The Civil Procedure Rules 1998
[6.3 (1) (b)] (England).
[75] High Court Rules [Order 22]
(HK); District Court Rules [Order 30] (HK).
[76] High Court Rules (n 24) 5.49
(1).
[77] See Supreme Court of Judicature
Act [section 16(1)(b)] (Singapore).
[78] Orchard
Capital I Ltd v Ravindra Kumar Jhunjhunwala (Court of Appeal, Singapore)
Judgment 24 February 2012 [SGCA 16, 2 SLR 519].
[79] Adam v.
Saenger, No 197 (Supreme Court, US) [303 US 59 (1938)].
[80] Dodson, S, ‘Plaintiff
Personal Jurisdiction and Venue Transfer’ (2013) 117 Michigan Law Review 1463, 1468.
[81] International Shoe Co. v Washington (n 8).
[82] D R Ullian, ‘Retroactive
Application of State Long-Arm Statutes’ (2013) 65 Fla L Rev 1653, 1657-1658.
[83] World-Wide Volkswagen Corp. v. Woodson (Supreme Court, US) [444
U.S. 286 (1980)].
[85] ILCS 2010 [5/2-209(c)]
(US).
[87] Utah Code Ann. 2016
[§78B-3-201(3)] (US).
[88] See D D McFarland, ‘Dictum
Run Wild: How Long-Arm Statutes Extended to the Limits of Due Process’ (2004) 84 Boston University
Law Review 491, 493.
[89] Uniform Interstate and
International Procedure Act [71] (US); Handbook Nat’ l Conf. Commissioners on Uniform St. Laws and
Proc. Ann. Conf. Meeting 1962 [219, 221] (US).
[91] Miss. Code Ann. 1991
[§13–3–57]; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. 1985 [§17.042(1)].
[92] ILL.–Smith-Hurd Ann. 2008
[735 ILCS 5/2–209(a)(1)]; N.Y.– McKinney’s CPLR 2008 [302(a)(1)].
[93] Bowman v
Curt G. Joa, Inc., No 710-711 (4th circuit Court of Appeals, US) [361 F.2d 706 (1966)].
[94] Federal Rule of Civil Procedure
2020 (US), 4(k)(1)(A).
[96] Ibid 4(k)(2). See Fifth
Amendment to the United States Constitution, which constrains jurisdiction to national borders.
[97] See Uniform Court Jurisdiction
and Proceedings Transfer Act (n 14) Part 3 (e).
[98] Van Breda v Village Resorts Ltd, (Supreme Court, Canada),
judgment 23 March 2012 [2012 SCC 17].
[100] Adams v Cape Industries plc, (Court of Appeal of England and
Wales), Judgment 13 December 1990 [Ch UK 433].
[101] Lucasfilm Ltd. v Ainsworth, (Supreme Court, UK), Judgment 27 July
2011 [39 UK].
[102] Deutsche Bank AG v Sebastian
Holdings Inc & Anor, (Commercial Court of England and Wales High Court)
Judgment 15 July 2022 [2057 UK (comm)].
[103] AK
Investment CJSC v Kyrgyz Mobil Tel Ltd, (Commercial Court of England and Wales
High Court), Judgment 25 October 2011 [3017 UK (comm)].
[104] Agbaje v. Agbaje, (Supreme Court, UK), Judgment 20 October 2010 [13
UKSC].
[105] Waller v Freehills, (Federal Court, Australia) Judgment 30
September 2009 [FCAFC 89] para 43.
[106] The Code of Civil Procedure
(n 25) 20 (c).
[107] (India TV) Independent News Service Pvt Limited v India Broadcast Live LIC and Others Versus
Linda, (Sanjay Kishan Kaul, India), Judgment 10 July 2007 [ILR 2
Delhi1231].
[108] Rules of Court 2021 [O 11, R
1] (Singapore).
[109] Supreme Court of Judicature
Act (n 79) 18D (1).
[110] M Yip, ‘The Singapore
International Commercial Court: The Future of Litigation’ (2019) 12 Erasmus Law Review 82,
87.
[111] M Yip, ‘The resolution
of disputes before the Singapore International Commercial Court’ (2016) 65 International &
Comparative Law Quarterly 439, 468-471.
[112] Fourteenth Amendment of 9
July 1868 (US).
[113] M Fullerton,
‘Constitutional Limits on Nationwide Personal Jurisdiction in the Federal Courts’ (1984) 79
Northwestern University Law Review 1, 41-44
[114] Pennoyer v Neff, No 720 (Supreme Court, US) [95 US 714
(1878)].
[115] International Shoe Co. v. Washington (n 8).
[116] Goodyear Dunlop Tires Operations, S.A. v Brown (n 52).
[118] Daimler AG v Bauman (n 54).
[119] World-Wide Volkswagen Corp. v Woodson, No 300 (Supreme Court, US)
[444 US 297 (1980)].
[120] Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. v Superior Court of California (n
60).
[122] L Silberman, ‘Can the
State of Minnesota Bind the Nation? Federal Choice of Law Constraints After Allstate Insurance Co. v.
Hague’ (1981) Hofstra Law Review 103, 107-109.
[123] A Erbsen, ‘Impersonal
Jurisdiction’ (2010) 60 Emory Law Journal 1.
[124] See
28 U.S.C. § 1391(b) (Supp. V 2011).
[125] K M
Clermont, ‘Restating Territorial Jurisdiction and Venue for State and Federal Courts’ (1980)
66 Cornell Law Review 411, 434-437.
[126] MacShannon v Rockware Glass Ltd, (House of Lord, UK), Judgment
26 January 1978 [10126-6 UK]; Rio Tinto Zinc Corporation v Westinghouse
Electric Corporation, No 2 (House of Lord, UK), Judgment 1 December 1977 [1 AII
ER 434].
[128] Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. v. Superior Court of California (n
60).
[129] R J Weintraub, ‘A Map
Out of the Personal Jurisdiction Labyrinth’ (1994) 28 UC Davis Law Review 531, 537.
[130] R E Pfeffer, ‘A 21st
Century Approach to Personal Jurisdiction’ (2015) 13 University of New Hampshire Law Review 65; M
Fullerton (n 115) 65, 161-164.
[131] Zivilprozessordnung (Code of Civil
Procedure) 2021 [§ 13 and 17] (Germany) (GCCP 2021); Tvisteloven (The Dispute Act) 2005 [S
4-4(2)-(3)] (Norway) (TVL-Norway 2005).
[132] FRCCP 2023 [Arts 42-43]
(France) (FRCCP 2023).
[133] GCCP (n 133) § 16;
Kodeks postępowania cywilnego (Code of Civil Procedure) 1964 [Art 28] (Poland) (PLCCP 1964).
[134] tsiviilkohtumenetluse
seadustik (the Code of Civil Procedure) 2005 [§79] (Estonia) (TsMs-Estonia).
[135] Codice di procedura civile
(Code of Civil Procedure) 1865 [Art 18] (Italy) (ITCCP); FRCCP (n 134) Art 42.
[136] W Tetley, ‘Mixed
jurisdictions: Common law v. civil law (codified and uncodified)’ (1999) 60 La. L. Rev 677,
701-702.
[139] قانون
الإجراءات
المدنية
والإدارية (Code of Civil and Administrative
Procedure) 2008 [Art 37] (Algeria) (CCAP-Algeria); قانون
المرافعات
المدنية
والتجارية (Civil and Commercial Procedure Law)
1994 [Art 49] (Egypt) (CCPL-Egypt); قانون
المرافعات
المدنية
والتجارية (Code of Civil and Commercial Procedure)
2018 [Art 30] (Tunisia) (CCCP-Tunisia).
[142] CCPL-Egypt (n 141) Art
49.
[143] قانون
الإجراءات
المدنية (The Civil Procedures Law) 2018 [Art 31(1)] (UAE)
(CPL-UAE); قانون آیین
دادرسی مدنی (The Civil Procedure Law) 1970
[Art 21] (Iran) (CPL-Iran); HUKUK MUHAKEMELERİ KANUNU (Code of Civil Procedure) 2011 [Art 6(1)]
(Turkey) (TCCP).
[145] CPL-Iran (n 145) Art
21.
[146] T-F Chen, ‘Transplant
of civil code in Japan, Taiwan, and China: With the focus of legal evolution’ (2011) 6 National
Taiwan University Law Review 389, 342.
[147] 中华人民共和国民事诉讼法
(The Civil Procedure Law) 2021 [Art 22] (Mainland China) (CNCPL).
[148] 民事訴訟法 (Code of Civil Procedure) 2021 [Art 1(1)]
(Taiwan) (TWCCP).
[149] 民事訴訟法典 (Code of Civil Procedure) 2022 [Art
3(3)] (Japan) (JCCP); ibid Art 2(2); 민사 소송법 (The Civil Procedure Act)
2020 [Art 5(1)] (South Korea) (CPA-Korea).
[150] 民事訴訟法典 (Code of Civil Procedure) 2022 [Art
15] (Macau) (CCP-Macau).
[151] FRCCP 2023[Art 41]
(Québec).
[152] Código de
Procedimiento (Code of Procedure) 2014 [Art 23(1)-(3)] (Colombia) (CCCP-COL).
[153] Código de
Procedimiento Civil y Comercial (Code of Civil and Commercial Procedure) 2015 [Art 76] (Argentina)
(ANCCPC).
[154] Código de
Procedimiento Civil (Code of Civil Procedure) [Art 40] 1990 (Venezuela) (VCCP).
[155] Código de Processo
Civil (Code of Civil Procedure) 2015 [Art 46] (Brazil) (BRCCP).
[156] L Brilmayer, J Haverkamp, B
Logan and L Lynch, ‘General look at general jurisdiction’(1987) 66 Tex. L. Rev 721,
741-742.
[157] FRCCP (n 134) Art 46.
[158] For details of these 10
cases, please refer to the GCCP (n 133) §§ 19, 20-23, 27, 29, 29c, 31, 32 and
33-35.
[162] For details of these 15
cases, please refer to Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil (Civil Procedure Act) 2015 [Art 52] (Spain)
(SCCP).
[163] For details of these 17
cases, please refer to TsMs-Estonia 2005 (n 141) Chap 13.
[164] Ibid §92; PLCCP (n 135)
Art 461;
Грамадзянска-працэсуальны
кодэкс (Code of Civil Procedure) 2003 [Art 29(6.3)] (Russia) (RCCP);
Gerechtelijk Wetboek (Judicial Code) 2017 [Art 627(9)] (Belgium) (GW-Belgium); Zakon o parničnom
postupku (Code of Civil Procedure) 2003 [Art 65] (Croatia) (HRCCP).
[165] CCAP-Algeria (n 141) Art
39.
[169] CCPL-Egypt (n 141) Art
55-59.
[170] CPL-UAE (n 145) Art
33.
[171] TCCP (n 145) Arts 10 and
13-16.
[172] CNCPL (n 149) Arts
24-33.
[173] CPA-Korea (n 151) Arts
7-24.
[174] 民事訴訟法典(Code of Civil Procedure) (n 152) Art
16; TWCCP (n 150) Arts 3-9, and 11-18.
[175] JCCP (n 151) Art
3-3-3-4.
[176] FRCCP 2023 (n 153) Art
42.
[177] BRCCP (n 157) Arts
51-53.
[178] VCCP 1990 (n 156) Arts
41-45.
[179] CCCP-COL (n 154) Art
23(4)-(9).
[180] Código de
Procedimiento (Civil Code of Civil Procedure) 2015 [Arts 8.3.1-8.3.2 and 8.3.4] (Costa Rica)
(CCP-Costa).
[181] SCCP 2015 (n 164) Art
54(3).
[182] HRCCP (n 171) Art 70; ITCCP
(n 137) Art 29.
[183] FRCCP (n 134) Art 48.
[184] GCCP (n 133) Arts 38(1) and
40(1).
[185] RCCP (n 166) Art 32.
[186] TVL-Norway (n 133) S
4-6(1).
[187] CCAP-Algeria (n 141) Art
45.
[188] The French article reads:
‘Any clause which directly or indirectly derogates from the rules of territorial jurisdiction
shall be deemed to be unwritten unless it has been agreed between persons who have all contracted in a
commercial capacity and it has been made very clear in the undertaking of the party to whom it is
opposed’, translated from the French version, see FRCCP (n 134) Art 48. The Algerian article
reads: ‘Any clause attributing territorial competence to a non-competent jurisdiction shall be
deemed null and void unless it has been agreed between traders’, translated from the French
version, see CCAP-Algeria (n 141) Art 45.
[189] CCPL-Egypt (n 141) Art
62.
[190] CPL-UAE (n 145) Art
31(5).
[191] TCCP (n 145) Arts
17-18.
[193] CNCPL (n 149) Art 35.
[194] 最高人民法院关于适用《中华人民共和国民事诉讼法》的解释
(Interpretation of the Supreme People’s Court on the Application of the Civil Procedure Law of
Mainland China) [Art 31] (China).
[195] TWCCP (n 150) Art 24, Art
26.
[196] CPA-Korea (n 151) Art
29.
[197] TWCCP (n 150) Art
3-7(1)-(2).
[199] Ibid Art 3-7(5)-(6).
[200] FRCCP 2023 (n 153) Art
41.
[201] Código de procesos
(Code of Procedure) [Art 28] (Cuba) (CCP-Cuba).
[202] Código de
Procedimiento Civil (Code of Civil Procedure) [Art 23] (Mexico) (MXCCP).
[203] VCCP (n 156) Art 47.
[204] ANCCPC (n 155) Art
2607.
[205] FRCCP 2023 (n 134) Arts
44-45.
[206] PLCCP (n 135) Arts
38-42.
[207] GW-Belgium (n 166) Arts
631-633.
[208] TsMs-Estonia 2005 (n 136)
Chap 14, Chap 16.
[209] RCCP (n 166) Art 30.
[210] GCCP (n 133) §§ 24,
29a(1)-29a(2), 32a-32b, 689(2), 764(2), 802, 828(2), 869; Arbeitsgerichtsgesetz (Labour Court Act)
[§ 82(1)] (Germany).
[211] CCAP-Algeria (n 141) Art
40.
[212] CCCP-Tunisia (n 141) Arts
32-35.
[213] قانون
المرافعات
المدنية والتجار
(Civil and Commercial Procedure Law) (n 141) Arts 50-54
[214] CPL-UAE (n 145) Art 32, Art
34; قانون آیین
دادرسی مدنی (The Civil Procedure Law) (n
145) Art 23, Art 32; TCCP (n 150) Arts 11-12.
[215] CPL-UAE (n 145) Art
35.
[216] قانون آیین
دادرسی مدنی (The Civil Procedure Law) (n
145) Arts 24-25, Arts 33-35, Arts 38-39.
[217] TWCCP (n 150) Art 10.
[218] CNCPL (n 149) Art 34.
[219] CCP-Macau (n 153) Art
20.
[220] TWCCP (n 151) Art 3-5.
[221] CPA-Korea (n 151) Art
31.
[222] FRCCP 2023 (n 153) Arts
43-46.
[223] BRCCP (n 157) Arts
46-50.
[224] Constituição
(Constitution) 1988 [Art 109 XI Para 1] (Brazil).
[225] CCP-COL (n 154) Art
23(10)-(11).
[226] CCP-Cuba (n 203) Arts
31-32.
[227] D J B Svantesson,
‘Solving the Internet Jurisdiction Puzzle’ (Oxford University Press 2017).
[228] D J Gerber, ‘Beyond
Balancing: International Law Restraints on the Reach of National Laws’ (1984) 10 Yale J.
Int’l L. 185, 191-192.
[229] CPL-UAE (n 145) Art
31(5).
[230] TVL-Norway (n 133) Sec
4-6(1).
[231] TWCCP (n 150) Arts
3-7(3).
[232] CPA-Korea (n 151) Art
29.
[233] CNCPL (n 149) Art 35.
[234] M Twitchell (n 56)
610.
[235] C Albiston, ‘The Rule
of Law and the Litigation Process: The Paradox of Losing by Winning’ (1999) Law and Society Review
869, 888.
[236] E L Barrett Jr, ‘The
Doctrine of Forum Non Conveniens’ (1947) 35 California Law Review 380, 392.
[237] A
T von Mehren and D T Trautman (n 48); C J Jacobs, ‘In Defense of
Territorial Jurisdiction’ (2018) 85 University of Chicago Law Review 1589, 1621-2622.
[238] D Klerman, ‘Rethinking
personal jurisdiction’ (2014) 6.2 Journal of Legal Analysis 245, 288-291.
[239] F K Juenger, ‘Forum
Shopping, Domestic and International’ (1988) 63 Tulane Law Review 553, 561.
[240] CCAP-Algeria (n 141) Art
45.
[241] S E Merry, ‘Law and
Colonialism’ (1991) 25 Law & Society Review 889, 892-894.
[242] The French article reads:
‘Any clause which directly or indirectly derogates from the rules of territorial jurisdiction
shall be deemed to be unwritten unless it has been agreed between persons who have all contracted in a
commercial capacity and it has been made very clear in the undertaking of the party to whom it is
opposed’, translated from the French version, see Code de procédure civile (Code of Civil
Procedure of France) (n 134) Art 48. The Algerian article reads: ‘Any clause attributing
territorial competence to a non-competent jurisdiction shall be deemed null and void unless it has been
agreed between traders’, translated from the French version, see CCAP-Algeria (n 141) Art 45.
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