Legal Definitions - minimal contacts

Minimal contacts refer to the connections a nonresident defendant has with a state that are substantial enough to allow a court in that state to have personal jurisdiction over the defendant without violating principles of fairness and justice. These connections can include business activity or actions that could lead to business activity in the state.

For example, if a company based in California sells products online and ships them to customers in New York, they may have minimal contacts with New York. If a customer in New York has a legal dispute with the company, a court in New York may have jurisdiction over the case because of the company's minimal contacts with the state.

Another example could be a person who causes a car accident while driving through a state they do not reside in. The state may have jurisdiction over the case because the person's actions in the state constitute minimal contacts.

Overall, minimal contacts are a way for courts to determine if they have the authority to hear a case involving a nonresident defendant.