Shaffer v. Heitner The Temporary Triumph of Fairness over History

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Shaffer v. HeitnerThe Temporary Triumph of
Fairness over History
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Chronology

• International Shoe 1945
• McGee 1957
• Hanson 1958
• Shaffer 1977
• World Wide VW 1980
• Helicopteros 1984
• Burger King 1985
• Asahi 1987
• Burnham 1990

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Post-Shaffer Uses for QIR

• Can only be used where long arm or general could
  be used
• Sometimes useful where personal service on D
  (even outside the state) is difficult or
  impossible.
• Sometimes useful to fill in starfish gaps.

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Your Case
Statutory Limit
Constitutional Limit
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BurnhamThe Possible Triumph of History over
Fairness
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Burnham Which Key?

• Transient Jurisdiction
• Domicile Jurisdiction
• Consent Jurisdiction
• Long-Arm Jurisdiction
• General Jurisdiction

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Burnham Fact Map
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Burnham Lawsuit Chart
H travels to CA on business visits kids
W serves H in CA
H files for divorce (desertion) in NJ
W files for divorce (ID) in CA
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Conflicting Judicial ApproachesBeyond Liberal
vs. Conservative

• Nationalism vs. States Rights
• Pro-Plaintiff vs. Pro-Defendant
• Expansive vs. Narrow View of Due Process
  Protections
• Static (Historical) vs. Dynamic (Current
  Fairness) View of Due Process