Saddleback College Business Law Discussion Questions

Arthur (fromAlabama) is a regional manager for a brand new textbook company, Big Law Publications (incorporated and principal place of business inConnecticut). Arthur’s job requires him to travel from school to school to show new casebooks to law professors. His assignment for the first week of February was to visit law schools in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. While inFlorida, Arthur goes to South Beach to have some fun. He ends up getting into a bar fight with Mel, a law student fromMiami Beach, Florida. Arthur and Mel each blame the other for starting the fight.

Inat least a total of 200 words, answer each question separately, and be sure to explain how you reached your conclusion.

Question #1:  Arthur (plaintiff) sues Mel (defendant) in Alabama state court for battery. Mel contests personal jurisdiction arguing that the Alabama court does not have jurisdiction over him. Will Mel prevail on his objection to personal jurisdiction?  Why or why not?

Question #2:  Mel (plaintiff) sues Arthur (defendant) inFlorida state courtfor battery.  Arthur contests personal jurisdiction arguing that the Florida court does not have jurisdiction over him because he is not from Florida. Will Arthur prevail on his objection to personal jurisdiction?  Why or why not?