The Robinsons, residents of New York, bought a new car from Seaway Volkswagen Corp., a retailer incorporated in New York and with its principal place of business there. World-Wide Volkswagen, a company incorporated in New York and doing business in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, distributed the car to Seaway. Neither Seaway nor world-Wide did business in Oklahoma, and neither company shipped cars there. The Robinsons were driving through Oklahoma when another vehicle struck their Audi in the rear. The gas tank of the Audi exploded, injuring several members of the family.

The Robinsons brought a products liability suit against the manufacturer, distributor and retailer of the car in an Oklahoma state court. Seaway and World-Wide argued that the Oklahoma state court did not have in personam jurisdiction over them. After the state's trial court and supreme jurisdiction over Seaway and World-Wild, the company appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. How do you think the Court decided in this case? Why?

1. Describe the different types of jurisdiction a court must have before it can render a binding decision in a case.
2. Explain the concept of venue.
3. Describe how the dual US Court System is structured.
4. Describe the threshold requirements that must met before a court will hear a case.
5. List the steps in civil litigation.