What is the main function of a Long Arm Statute?

The main function of a Long Arm Statute is to allow a state to assert personal jurisdiction over out-of-state defendants. Long Arm Statutes are designed to extend a state's power to reach individuals or entities that are not physically present within its borders but have certain minimum contacts with the state. This means that if an out-of-state defendant has engaged in activities that would justify a court's jurisdiction—such as conducting business, committing a tort, or owning property within the state—the Long Arm Statute provides the legal basis for the state to exercise jurisdiction over that defendant, facilitating effective legal proceedings.

This concept is crucial in ensuring that individuals and entities cannot evade legal accountability simply by being outside the jurisdiction of the state's courts. It strikes a balance between the rights of the defendants and the needs of the legal system to adjudicate disputes fairly, regardless of where the parties are located.