Can I sue someone in the UK from the US?
Asked by: Eloise Smith | Last update: August 15, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (11 votes)
Yes, but, depending on the law where you are, you may have to sue in the courts of the jurisdiction within the UK in which the Defendant lives.
Can a US citizen sue someone in the UK?
The answer is yes. Personal jurisdiction over the defendant is essential in international legal disputes, much like it is in domestic ones.
How do I sue someone in the UK?
You can apply to a county court to claim money you're owed by a person or business. This is known as making a court claim. It often used to be known as taking someone to a 'small claims court'. You can apply online or by post.
Does US law apply in the UK?
Due to the absence of a reciprocal enforcement agreement, a US judgment can only be enforced in England at common law by bringing a new action under which the judgment is seen as a simple contractual debt. New proceedings are therefore issued in the English court for payment of the 'debt'.
Is US law enforceable in the UK?
The only way to enforce a US judgment in the jurisdiction of England & Wales (throughout this page, this will be referred to as 'England' or 'English Court') is to enforce it at common law, by bringing a new action in the English courts, with the US judgment becoming the cause of action.
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How to enforce foreign judgment in England?
To utilise the procedure, one must apply to the High Court, with an authenticated copy of the judgment, a certified translation of the judgment with statement confirming its accuracy if needed and with a witness statement giving details of the judgment which is compliant with the relevant civil procedure rules.
What is rule of law in US and UK?
The rule of law was first adopted in 1787. American policymakers and lawmakers adopted the concept from the UK, where it had been prevalent since medieval times. By incorporating the principle into the functioning of the US government, policymakers often described the principle as the 'government of laws, not of men.
Does US law apply internationally?
Despite the presumption against extraterritoriality, many federal criminal statutes expressly apply outside U.S. borders. Some of the main categories include: Crime in U.S. territorial waters or vessels. Implementing treaties and international agreements.
Can you be prosecuted in the UK for crime abroad?
If an accused person is not prosecuted in the state where the offence occurred, a prosecution would only take place in the UK if the accused person were physically present in this jurisdiction (following extradition if necessary), there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in ...
Can a lawyer in the US practice in the UK?
From September 2021, lawyers from abroad and overseas students who wish to qualify in England and Wales can sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE allows you to qualify as a solicitor by taking the same exam as domestic candidates.
What happens if someone sues you and you can't pay the UK?
If you don't, your creditor might take more action to get the money back. For example, they might ask the court to send bailiffs to your home or take money from your wages. After the judgment, your creditor might ask the court to secure the debt against your home - this is called a 'charging order'.
How much evidence is needed to charge someone in the UK?
There must be reasonable grounds to believe the suspect committed the offence. It's likely that more evidence can be obtained to support a realistic prospect of conviction. The offence is serious enough to justify immediate charges. There are significant grounds to oppose bail.
What kind of lawyer do I need if I want to sue someone?
Civil litigation lawyers often go to court to represent their clients, including for personal injury claims, contract disputes, and other common civil matters. Likewise, criminal defense attorneys frequently defend their clients in court.
Do US courts have jurisdiction in foreign countries?
U.S. courts also have little trouble exercising jurisdiction over foreign entities with a minimal nexus to the U.S. when the federal law giving rise to the claim specifically establishes personal jurisdiction over the defendant upon receipt of proper service of process (for a discussion of “service” issues, see below).
Can I sue someone in another country from the UK?
Depending on what the claim is and where the defendant resides, permission may be required from the Court to serve notice on a defendant outside of the UK. CPR Rule 6.33 sets out when permission is not required to serve a claim form on a defendant who resides outside the UK.
Can Americans be prosecuted for crimes abroad?
U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the foreign countries they visit. You can be prosecuted in the United States for some acts committed overseas. You can be prosecuted even if the acts are legal where they happened.
What crimes does the UK extradite for?
Our specialist Extradition lawyers have dealt with a range of types of Extradition Warrants, addressing a wide range of criminal allegations including Murder, Serious Violence, Robbery, Serious Fraud, International Drugs operations and even Driving without a licence!
Do U.S. laws apply outside of the US?
Criminal law is usually territorial. It is a matter of the law of the place where it occurs. Nevertheless, a number of American criminal laws apply extraterritorially outside of the United States. Application is generally a question of legislative intent, express or implied.
Does US law supersede international law?
If the international agreement is a non-self-executing treaty, it would not supersede inconsistent state or local law in the same way a federal statute would, but the courts nevertheless would not permit a state of the union to force the United States to breach its international obligation to other countries under the ...
Will US courts apply foreign law?
Federal courts are required to apply the laws of foreign countries in a variety of different cases which range in complexity.
What is the rule of law in the UK today?
The rule of law is emphasised through many separate ideas. Among them are that law and order in contrast to anarchy, the running of government in line with the law, and normative discussion about the rights of the state as compared to the individual.
What is England's common law?
Common law is made by sitting judges who apply both statutory law and established principles which are derived from the reasoning from earlier decisions. Equity is the other historic source of judge-made law. Common law can be amended or repealed by Parliament.
Is US and UK law the same?
Indeed, England and the United States have so many legal differences that they are sometimes described as “two countries separated by a common law.” The most striking differences are found in the area of public law.