What does general jurisdiction allow a court to do?

General jurisdiction allows a court to adjudicate any case against a resident of the state, regardless of where the events giving rise to the claims occurred. This means that a court with general jurisdiction can hear a wide range of cases involving a defendant who is a permanent resident of that state or has sufficient contacts with the state.

In contrast, specific jurisdiction is limited to claims that arise out of or relate to the defendant's activities within the state. Thus, general jurisdiction provides a broader scope of authority, allowing courts to handle various legal matters involving state residents without the necessity of a direct connection to the claims being made. This principle relies on the idea that individuals who choose to reside in a state should be subject to its judicial system for a variety of disputes.

The other options illustrate more limited scenarios: some refer to jurisdiction based solely on the nature of the claims, while others focus on the procedural requirement of serving the defendant. However, none capture the expansive nature of general jurisdiction as effectively as the chosen answer.