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Simple English definitions for legal terms
personal service
Read a random definition: interrogation
A quick definition of personal service:
Personal service is when someone delivers a notice to a person in person. This is one way to serve a defendant, which means to officially notify them of a legal action against them. Sometimes, personal service can be replaced by leaving a copy of the notice at the person's home or business if the plaintiff has tried to deliver it in person but couldn't. However, personal service obtained through fraud or deceit is not valid.
A more thorough explanation:
Personal service is a way of delivering legal notice to a defendant in person. This is important because it establishes jurisdiction over the defendant, meaning that the court has the authority to hear the case.
For example, if someone is suing their neighbor for damages, they would need to serve the neighbor with a copy of the lawsuit. They could do this by hiring a process server to deliver the papers to the neighbor in person. This is called personal service.
Personal service is not always required, though. In some types of cases, like property disputes, the court can establish jurisdiction without personal service.
It's also important to note that personal service must be done legally. If someone tricks or deceives the defendant in order to serve them, the personal service is not valid.
For example, if someone invites their neighbor over to talk about the lawsuit, but then serves them with the papers instead, that personal service would not be valid.