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Personal Jurisdiction
Personal jurisdiction is a court's legal power to make decisions that affect you personally.
What it actually is
It determines whether a specific court can force you to appear and obey its orders. This issue is typically raised early in a case through a motion to dismiss, before the court looks at the facts of the dispute. If the court lacks personal jurisdiction over you, it cannot proceed against you.
Why it matters in your case
If you live in a different state or have very little contact with the state where the lawsuit was filed, you may be able to argue the court has no power over you. Successfully challenging personal jurisdiction can get the case dismissed or moved to a more convenient court.
The common misunderstanding
Many people confuse personal jurisdiction with subject-matter jurisdiction (what types of cases a court can hear) or with venue (which specific courthouse is proper). Personal jurisdiction is about the court's authority over a particular person, not the type of case or the location.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.