Which general jurisdiction basis allows service anywhere?

• A. Doing business in NY (can be served anywhere)
• B. Presence in NY (when served)
• C. Domicile in NY (can be served anywhere)
• D. Consent

Answer: (A)

General jurisdiction lets a court hear any claim against a defendant, as long as the defendant’s contacts with the forum are continuous and systematic. When a party does business in New York, that ongoing, substantial presence makes the defendant effectively at home there. That level of connection means the New York courts can exercise general jurisdiction, so service can be effected in the forum for any claim against the party.

Presence in New York at the time of service is a factor for personal jurisdiction, but it doesn’t by itself establish the broad reach of general jurisdiction. Domicile applies to individuals and determines general jurisdiction for them, not typically for a business. Consent is a voluntary agreement to submit to the forum’s jurisdiction, but it is not the same as the broad, ongoing nexus that general jurisdiction requires.