Can personal jurisdiction be established through an agent acting on behalf of a defendant?

Personal jurisdiction can indeed be established through an agent acting on behalf of a defendant, specifically if the agent performs actions within the forum state that are related to the legal claim. This principle relies on the concept of "agency," where the actions of the agent are imputed to the principal (the defendant).

If the agent is conducting business, signing contracts, or engaging in other activities in the forum state that are sufficient to invoke the state's jurisdictional reach, then the court can exercise personal jurisdiction over the defendant based on the agent's activities. This is grounded in the idea that a defendant should reasonably anticipate being brought to court in a state where they have intentionally engaged in business through an agent.

For context, the other options do not align with the established principles of personal jurisdiction. An assertion that agents cannot establish jurisdiction would overlook the substantial role that agents play in legal proceedings. Furthermore, personal jurisdiction considerations are not limited to federal cases or tied to the age of the agent, as jurisdiction pertains more to the nature of the activities performed and the connections established in the forum state rather than specific characteristics of the agent.