Personal Jurisdiction

Question 1

What is the two-step test for in personam jurisdiction in Rhode Island?

Answer 1

(1) Did the cause of action arise out of defendant’s contacts with RI?
(2) If so, is there any relationship among the defendant, Rhode Island, and the litigation?

Question 2

What does a RI court look to to determine if there is any relationship among the defendant, Rhode Island, and the litigation?

Answer 2

The court looks to the cumulative effect of all isolated, yet numerous, contacts in determining the true nature and quality of the relationship between the defendants and Rhode Island. Any contact which invokes the benefits and protections of Rhode Island law is sufficient for jurisdiction.

Question 3

When is a post-judgment attachment of property in Rhode Island to recover on a judgment entered in another state be constitutional?

Answer 3

when the out-of-state judgment was valid and enforceable

Question 4

What does the Rhode Island long-arm statute provide?

Answer 4

All non-residents and foreign corporations, partnerships, and associations having the necessary minimum contacts with Rhode Island are subject to jurisdiction of Rhode Island up to the limits of the due process clause of the US Constitution.

Question 5

When can a single act support long arm jurisdiction in Rhode Island?

Answer 5

As long as it is not “a random or fortuitous event,” and it creates a reasonable foreseeability” of litigation in Rhode Island