What does "service by mail" entail?

Service by mail refers to the method of delivering legal documents to a recipient through the postal system, specifically utilizing certified or registered mail. This approach is vital for providing evidence of delivery and ensuring the documents are received by the intended party. Using certified or registered mail allows the sender to obtain a receipt, which serves as proof that the documents were sent and received, providing a layer of legal verification that is often required in legal proceedings.

In contrast, other methods such as delivering documents in person do not fall under service by mail, as they involve direct handover rather than postal delivery. Similarly, using standard postal service without tracking lacks the necessary verification and accountability that certified or registered mail provides. Employing email for document delivery deviates from the traditional definition of service by mail as it does not involve the physical postal system and may not meet legal requirements for service in many jurisdictions. Therefore, the focus on certified or registered mail is what sets this method apart as the correct definition of "service by mail."