Question

Arthur met Rottweiler breeders Lynda and George at a dog show in Rhode Island. The couple, who reside in New York State, later sold several Rottweiler dogs to Arthur who lived in Rhode Island. Arthur later sued Lynda and George, claiming that the dogs were sick and infirm. He filed a complaint in Rhode Island courts, claiming that even though the dogs were sold in New York, the breeders had attended the dog show and advertised in the Rottweiler Newsletter which was distributed at the event in Rhode Island. Based on the facts, do you think Rhode Island courts have personal jurisdiction in this case?a. No, because the breeders reside in New York.

b. No, because the breeders had insufficient minimal contacts with Rhode Island.
c. Yes, because the breeders attended and advertised at the Rhode Island show.
d. Yes, because the dogs were sold to Arthur who resided in Rhode Island.

Answer 1

b. No, because the breeders had insufficient minimal contacts with Rhode Island.

Explanation:

Personal jurisdiction refers to the power that a court has to make a decision regarding the party being sued in a case. Before a court can exercise power over a party, the U.S. Constitution requires that the party has certain minimum contacts with the forum in which the court sits.