Article 19

What it means when you sign

This article says when the courts have jurisdiction over a case against a person. Except for actions in rem about real property abroad, the courts have jurisdiction to hear cases brought against national citizens, and against foreigners who have a place of residence or domicile in the State.

In plain words, a person who lives or is domiciled in the State can be sued in its courts, whether a citizen or a foreigner. The exception is a case about a right in real property located outside the State, which is not covered by this rule.

When you are about to sign a contract, this article means that a party who is a citizen, or a foreigner living or domiciled in the State, can be sued in the State's courts. A clause that picks a court, a place for disputes or governing law may need to be read together with it. A clause that says disputes will be heard abroad may not remove a party from the courts' reach if that party falls within this article. Property abroad is the notable carve-out, so a contract about foreign real property may sit outside it.