"against the person"
courts' power to adjudicate matters directed against a party, as distinguished from in-rem proceedings over disputed property.
in personam
the defendant must be served with a summons and complaint to give the court jurisdiction to try the case, and the judgment the court applies to that person only
... if proper legal service upon the respondent had been obtained, and if the court also held subject-matter jurisdiction, then the appearance by the respondent or his/her attorney confers in personam jurisdiction upon the court. The respondent then has made a general appearance before the court.
