What must a plaintiff demonstrate to establish personal jurisdiction over a defendant?

To establish personal jurisdiction over a defendant, the plaintiff must demonstrate a sufficient connection between the defendant and the forum state. This means that the defendant must have some form of contact with the state, such that exercising jurisdiction would not violate traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice.

This connection can manifest in various ways, including the defendant's residency in the state, conduct occurring in the state, or establishing some other significant link that demonstrates the propriety of the state's jurisdiction. Courts often consider factors such as whether the defendant has purposefully availed themselves of the privilege of conducting activities in the forum state or whether the claims in question arise out of those activities.

Establishing this connection is crucial because it ensures that defendants are given fair notice and are not subjected to the jurisdiction of a state with which they have no meaningful relationship. This foundational principle upholds both the legal rights of defendants and the interests of the judicial system.