Can a plaintiff proceed with a case against served defendants if other defendants have not been served?

A plaintiff can proceed with a case against served defendants even if other defendants have not been served, as the legal principle allows for individual claims to be addressed independently. In many legal systems, including those utilized in Maricopa County, the presence of at least one properly served defendant allows the case to move forward. This means that the court can hear the claims against the defendants that have been successfully served without waiting for the others.

The rationale behind this is rooted in the concept of judicial efficiency and the functionality of the court system. It enables the court to resolve disputes efficiently without unnecessary delays caused by the requirement to serve all parties involved before proceeding. However, it is essential to note that the unserved defendants may eventually need to be brought into the case for a comprehensive resolution, but their absence does not prevent the court from adjudicating the claims against those who have been served. This principle upholds the rights of plaintiffs to seek justice in situations where all defendants cannot be simultaneously served.