What are the two main types of personal jurisdiction?

The correct answer identifies the two principal categories of personal jurisdiction: general jurisdiction and specific jurisdiction.

General jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear any and all claims against a defendant regardless of where the underlying events took place, as long as the defendant has sufficient connections to the forum state. This typically occurs when the defendant's activities in the state are so substantial and continuous that they can be considered "at home" in that state. For example, a corporation that has its headquarters in a state can be subject to general jurisdiction there.

In contrast, specific jurisdiction is limited to claims that arise out of or relate to the defendant's contacts with the forum state. This type of jurisdiction allows a court to exercise authority over a defendant based on their specific activities that led to the lawsuit, such as doing business or committing a tort in the state.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for analyzing cases involving personal jurisdiction, as the applicability of general versus specific jurisdiction influences whether a court can assert authority over an out-of-state defendant.