What is the purpose of a long arm statute?

The purpose of a long arm statute is to permit states to obtain personal jurisdiction over nonresident defendants. These statutes enable a state to extend its reach beyond its own borders in certain circumstances, allowing courts to hold individuals or entities accountable for actions that have a sufficient connection to the state, even if those individuals or entities do not reside there.

For instance, if a nonresident engages in business activities within the state or commits a tort that causes injury within the state, the long arm statute can provide the legal basis for the state’s courts to exercise jurisdiction over them. This concept ensures that individuals who engage in significant contacts with a state can still be subject to that state’s legal processes, thereby promoting fairness in legal proceedings and protecting the interests of residents within the jurisdiction.

The incorrect options outline concepts that do not align with the primary function of long arm statutes. For instance, enforcing criminal laws on residents pertains to a state's authority over its residents rather than over nonresidents. Similarly, limiting jurisdiction strictly to property owned within the state does not capture the broader intent of long arm statutes, which focus on the actions of nonresidents. Establishing federal jurisdiction over state legal matters involves a separate legal framework and does not relate to the jurisdictional reach of