To render a binding judgment, a court must have both subject matter jurisdiction over the controversy (the subject of the dispute) and personal jurisdiction over the parties (plaintiff and defendant). While subject matter jurisdiction refers to the court’s power to hear a particular type of suit, personal jurisdiction—also known as in personam jurisdiction—concerns the court’s power to bind a particular person or party.

A special appearance is a procedure in civil litigation, and the purpose of a special appearance is to object to the court’s exercise of jurisdiction over the defendant or the defendant’s property on the ground that such person or property is not subject to the court’s jurisdiction. A defendant (person or entity) who has been sued in a state other than the defendant’s primary residence will often challenge the court’s exercise of jurisdiction over the nonresident defendant.

In Maryland, as in other states, a court must have both subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction to render a binding judgment. Subject matter jurisdiction is the court's authority to hear a specific type of case, which is typically defined by statute or constitution. Personal jurisdiction, on the other hand, refers to the court's power to make a decision affecting the rights of the specific parties involved. Maryland courts can establish personal jurisdiction over a party if that party has sufficient contacts with the state, such as committing a tort within the state, owning property in the state, or conducting business in the state. The Maryland long-arm statute extends the reach of the state's courts to exercise jurisdiction over non-residents in certain circumstances. A special appearance is a tool used by a defendant to challenge the court's personal jurisdiction without submitting to the court's authority. By making a special appearance, a defendant can argue that the court does not have the right to exercise jurisdiction over them, and if successful, the court must dismiss the case or transfer it to a court with proper jurisdiction. It is important for a defendant to make a special appearance before taking any other action in the case to avoid inadvertently submitting to the court's jurisdiction.