Opinion ID: 1413920
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Applicability of the Long-Arm Provision

Text: Treating an Indian reservation as out-of-state for service of process problems does not unreasonably infringe on Indian sovereignty any more than out-of-state, long-arm service unreasonably violates our sister states' sovereignty. Recognized authorities and commentators advocate the use of state long-arm provisions to secure personal jurisdiction over Indians residing on the reservation. Canby, Civil Jurisdiction and the Indian Reservation, 1973 UTAH L.REV. 206, 226; see Note, supra, 18 ARIZ.L.REV., at 755 & n. 112; cf. F. COHEN, supra, at 361. Utilization of a long-arm provision is particularly appropriate because its use normally depends on the state court having subject matter jurisdiction, avoids imposition of state court jurisdiction, over reservation-based activity, and minimizes intrusions on tribal sovereignty. Canby, supra, 1973 UTAH L.REV., at 226; State Securities, Inc. v. Anderson, 84 N.M. 629, 506 P.2d 786 (1973) (service by long-arm statute does not interfere with tribal sovereignty). [15] Moreover, treating an Indian reservation as an out-of-state jurisdiction is not a concept alien to Arizona law. In In re Estate of Lynch, 92 Ariz. 354, 377 P.2d 199 (1962), we held that a will admitted to probate in Navajo Tribal Court was a will admitted to probate in another state or foreign country for Arizona probate purposes. Id. at 357, 377 P.2d at 201. We reasoned that an Indian reservation was not strictly speaking a sister state or foreign country, but it was a separate jurisdiction. Id. Likewise, here we see no alternative except to treat Indian reservations located in Arizona as separate jurisdictions for long-arm purposes. Therefore, because there is subject matter jurisdiction, if Dixon complied with Arizona's long-arm provision, the state courts may gain personal jurisdiction over Picopa, just as they might if Picopa was incorporated and domiciled in a sister state or foreign country. [16]