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Nationwide Personal Jurisdiction In All Federal Question Cases: A New Rule 4 Note, Howard M. Erichson

Faculty Scholarship

Every litigator who remembers first year civil procedure knows that the personal jurisdiction1 of federal courts is limited by state territorial boundaries. That limitation, however, may soon disappear in federal question cases. A new rule of civil procedure, currently under consideration by the federal rulemakers, would provide for nationwide service of process in all federal question cases. The proposed rule would profoundly affect forum selection in the federal courts. This Note argues in favor of the adoption of the new Rule 4's nationwide personal jurisdiction provision. Not only would the new Rule 4 be a legitimate exercise of authority, but …