Legal Definitions - forum state

Definition: The forum state is the state where a legal case is filed or brought to court.

Example: If a person from California sues a person from New York in a California court, California is the forum state.

Explanation: The forum state is important in conflict of laws cases because it determines which state's laws will be applied to the case. In the example given, the California court will apply California law to the case because it is the forum state.