McGee v. International Life Insurance Co.

Franklin, a California resident, bought a life insurance policy from International (defendant), a Texas company with no offices or agents in California, and paid premiums until his death; International then refused to pay, claiming Franklin had committed suicide. McGee (plaintiff), the policy's beneficiary, won a judgment against International in California state court, but could not collect there, and was rebuffed in Texas state court on improper-service grounds. The U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari.