What is the primary concern for a court when asserting personal jurisdiction over a foreign corporation?

The primary concern for a court when asserting personal jurisdiction over a foreign corporation focuses on the fairness of jurisdiction in relation to the defendant's contacts with the forum state. This principle stems from the constitutional requirement of due process, which mandates that a defendant must have sufficient minimum contacts with the state in which the court is located. These contacts ensure that it would be reasonable and just for the court to exercise jurisdiction over the corporation.

This reasoning reflects the balance between the rights of the defendant and the interest of the state in providing a forum for its residents to resolve disputes. Factors such as the corporation's business activities in the state, whether it has established a physical presence, or engaged in transactions that would prompt litigation there are all pertinent. The idea is to prevent unfair surprise and ensure that the corporation can reasonably foresee being brought to court in that jurisdiction.

In contrast, considerations like the corporation's profitability, local public opinion, or the defendant's financial resources do not directly relate to the fundamental principles of jurisdiction and fairness required by due process. These factors may influence other aspects of a case but do not directly establish the legal basis for personal jurisdiction.