What is the consequence of not serving a defendant in a timely manner if no good cause is shown?

When a defendant is not served in a timely manner and no good cause is demonstrated for the delay, the court typically has the authority to dismiss the case without prejudice against that defendant. This means that the plaintiff can re-file the case in the future if they choose to do so.

The rationale behind this consequence is rooted in ensuring fairness and upholding procedural standards within the legal system. Timely service is critical because it allows defendants to be notified of the legal action being taken against them and gives them the opportunity to respond. When the rules governing service of process are not adhered to, the court may opt to dismiss the case to maintain the integrity of the legal process and to ensure defendants are not unfairly disadvantaged by procedural missteps.

This dismissal "without prejudice" ensures that the plaintiff's case is not permanently barred, allowing them to potentially correct the issue of service and bring the case again if they wish.