What is service by mail and under what circumstances is it commonly authorized?

• A. It involves sending copies by certified mail or as permitted by court rules, with or without a return receipt.
• B. It must always require a return receipt.
• C. It cannot be used if the defendant is overseas.
• D. It is never authorized.

Answer: (A)

Service by mail means delivering copies of the papers to the defendant by mail, typically using certified mail or as the court rules permit. The key is that this method is allowed by statute or court rule, and proof of service may be provided by a return receipt if the rule requires or allows it, or by simply mailing if a return receipt isn’t required. It’s commonly authorized because it’s cost-effective and easier to implement than personal service, yet it still provides a reliable way to give notice when the defendant is within the jurisdiction. While overseas service often uses different procedures, some rules do permit mail service under specific conditions, which is why this description—mailing copies by certified mail or per court rules, with or without a return receipt—best captures the concept.