Minimum Contacts Definition

A requirement, under the 14th Amendment due process clause, that must be satisfied before a state can assert personal jurisdiction over an out-of-state party. Before a state can require an out-of-state party to appear in the state's courts in civil (non-criminal) cases, that party must have sufficient minimum contacts with the state such that requiring the party to appear in the state's courts doesn't violate traditional principles of fairness. (See International Shoe Co. v. Washington, 326 U.S. 310, 316 (1945).)

A state statute typically specifies, in general or specific terms, the kinds of in-state activities that will satisfy the minimum contacts requirement. For example, entering into contracts, committing a tort, or having other regular and systematic contacts or activities in the state likely will meet the test.