John is a toy model rocket hobbyist who lives in State X which is on the border with State Y. The closest shopping area to him is in State Y. Sprocket Industries makes a model rocket called the TR-19. Sprocket is incorporated in State Z and only has business operations in State Z. Sprocket sells only to a nationwide distributor in State Z. No store in State X carries the TR-19. John hears about the TR-19 from a friend who tells him that he can buy it at a local Hoover's Hobby Store in State Y. John travels from State X into State Y and buys the TR-19 rocket from Hoover's. At his home in State X, John assembles the rocket. Following all safety precautions exactly, John launches the TR-19 rocket but, due to a faulty design, the TR-19 explodes causing serious injury to John and to his two small children, with one of his children loosing sight in one of her eyes. In Federal District Court in State X, John sues Sprocket Industries for $5,000,000 due to his and his children's injuries. State X's long-arm statute provides for jurisdiction against tortfeasors whose actions cause injury in the state of X.

Does the Federal District Court in X have personal jurisdiction over Sprocket to hear John's claims? Why or why not? Explain your answer thoroughly.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

To determine whether the Federal District Court in State X has personal jurisdiction over Sprocket Industries to hear Johns claims we need to consider the concept of personal jurisdiction and the spec... View the full answer