Which of the following is NOT a basis for personal jurisdiction under the DOPSS mnemonic?

Which of the following is NOT a basis for personal jurisdiction under the DOPSS mnemonic?

• A. Domicile
• B. Citizenship
• C. Principal place of business
• D. Service of process on party or party's agent

Answer: (B)

Personal jurisdiction rests on connections between the defendant and the forum that show the court can fairly exercise authority. The DOPSS mnemonic reflects the usual bases for establishing that connection: a defendant’s domicile in the forum, the defendant’s principal place of business (for corporate defendants), and service of process on the party or on an agent authorized to receive service. Citizenship, however, does not create jurisdiction on its own. Being a citizen of a state does not necessarily mean the person has meaningful ties to that state for purposes of the court’s power, especially if the person is not present there, does not reside there, and was not served there. So, while domicile, principal place of business, and service (and consent) can ground personal jurisdiction, citizenship cannot, which makes it the basis that does not fit the DOPSS framework.

Personal jurisdiction rests on connections between the defendant and the forum that show the court can fairly exercise authority. The DOPSS mnemonic reflects the usual bases for establishing that connection: a defendant’s domicile in the forum, the defendant’s principal place of business (for corporate defendants), and service of process on the party or on an agent authorized to receive service. Citizenship, however, does not create jurisdiction on its own. Being a citizen of a state does not necessarily mean the person has meaningful ties to that state for purposes of the court’s power, especially if the person is not present there, does not reside there, and was not served there. So, while domicile, principal place of business, and service (and consent) can ground personal jurisdiction, citizenship cannot, which makes it the basis that does not fit the DOPSS framework.