Why Did a US Court Have Jurisdiction in the Case Between Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Kennedy Agyapong?
Authored by : Kwame Amporful
By U.S. law, for a foreign national to sue in American courts, the court must have personal jurisdiction over the defendant. This means the defendant must have sufficient connections to the state or country where the lawsuit is filed.
In this case, Kennedy Agyapong has substantial personal connections with the U.S. He is believed to own significant assets in the country, and the alleged defamatory statements were made on an online show hosted by a U.S.-based Ghanaian. These factors establish grounds for the court’s jurisdiction in handling the matter.
What Next? Can Anas Aremeyaw Anas Enforce the Lawsuit?
If a foreign national wins a lawsuit in the U.S., the next step is enforcing the judgment. This process can be complex, as it depends on whether the foreign country recognizes and enforces U.S. court judgments. The enforceability of the judgment in Ghana, for example, would be subject to Ghanaian legal standards and whether there is a reciprocal enforcement agreement between the two countries.
Can Kennedy Agyapong Appeal?
Yes, Kennedy Agyapong has the right to appeal the decision of the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey. He can do so by filing a Notice of Appeal, a copy of the Request for Transcript, and a Case Information Statement within 45 days of the final decision.
If dissatisfied with the outcome at the appellate level, he may further appeal to the New Jersey Supreme Court, depending on the legal basis of the case and the results of the first appeal.
The case sets a notable precedent in cross-border legal disputes involving defamation and jurisdiction, particularly for individuals with international interests.
