Case BriefCiv Pro F2: specific in personam jurisdictionBauer 2/18/15Identity of CaseMcGee v. International Life Insurance Co., 355 U.S. 220 (1957)Page 178 of the casebookSummary of Facts/Procedural HistoryMcGee’s son (deceased) was insured by defendant. Deceased was insured by work through someone else, moved to California, and subsequently someone else was purchased by defendant, who sent deceased an offer of insurance and a policy. This was accepted, info sent back and forth, premiums paid to defendant from California, deceased died. Defendant refuses to pay, his mother (as the beneficiary) sues in California to force them to pay, notifies defendant by registered mail. Defendant doesn’t even show up (which was stupid, by not making “special appearance” they waive their right to contest it and lose opportunity to defend on the merits unless the court finds there is not jurisdiction). Appeals up to the supreme court who decides that the state of Washington did in fact have jurisdiction.Statement of the IssueDoes a single contract with a citizen of the state make it amenable to personal jurisdiction by that court? HoldingWhen it entered into that contract willingly, and the claim arises from that contract, personal jurisdictionis established (along with the fact that the court isn’t impressed by them refusing to even show up at theinitial trial). ReasoningThe contract had substantial connection with the state. CA has a manifest interest in providing effective means of redress for its residents when their insurers raise claimsCalifornia has a long arm statute which creates personal jurisdiction where an out of state insurance company insures citizens of the states. This statute both helps to provide notice and doesn’t violate the constitution because the contact is enough. It was also convenient to sue in CA, that’s where the witnesses were.
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