Civil Procedure
Personal Jurisdiction
Definition
Personal jurisdiction is a court's power to exercise authority over a particular defendant. It requires that the defendant have sufficient contacts with the forum state such that the exercise of jurisdiction comports with due process. General jurisdiction exists when the defendant is essentially 'at home' in the forum (domicile for individuals, state of incorporation or principal place of business for corporations). Specific jurisdiction exists when the lawsuit arises from or relates to the defendant's purposeful contacts with the forum state.
Example
A Florida resident sues a California corporation that sold a product in Florida. The corporation's sale into Florida constitutes purposeful availment, supporting specific personal jurisdiction.