WorldSeptember 1, 2026
longarm
LONG-arm
Definition
A type of statute that allows a court to exercise legal authority over an out-of-state or foreign defendant, provided there are sufficient ties to the court's jurisdiction.
Etymology
Derived from the metaphorical imagery of a legal reach extending over a great distance, this term emerged in 20th-century American legal usage to describe statutes that expand jurisdiction beyond local boundaries.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the legal framework courts use to determine if they can assert power over foreign entities, specifically noting that these statutes are secondary to specialized foreign judgment laws.
Recognizing Foreign Judgments: Of Personal Jurisdiction, Collateral Estoppel, and Judicial Discretion
Read the full article ↗Transnational Litigation Blog