A legal principle that empowers a state court to exercise jurisdiction over an individual or entity located outside of its borders is predicated on sufficient minimum contacts with that state. These contacts must indicate that the nonresident purposefully availed themselves of the privilege of conducting activities within the state, thereby invoking the benefits and protections of its laws. For instance, a company that sells products within a state, even if headquartered elsewhere, may be subject to the jurisdiction of that state’s courts if those products cause harm within the state.
This assertion of jurisdiction is crucial for ensuring that individuals and organizations are held accountable for their actions, even when those actions have repercussions beyond the state in which they are based. The doctrine’s development is rooted in the evolving nature of interstate commerce and the increasing mobility of individuals and businesses. It aims to strike a balance between protecting the rights of nonresident defendants and providing redress for plaintiffs who have suffered harm within a particular state.
