Personal jurisdiction is the authority a court has to make legally enforceable orders related to a person or entity and the property of the person or entity, and usually arises when a person has been sued in a lawsuit. For a court to have personal jurisdiction, the person or entity generally (1) must be a resident of the state in which the court is located; (2) as a nonresident, must have initiated sufficient minimum contacts with the state in which the lawsuit is filed; or (3) must have agreed to be governed by the laws of the state (in a contract or website terms) in which the lawsuit is filed.

In California, personal jurisdiction refers to the power of a California court to make decisions affecting a person or entity and their property. For a California court to exercise personal jurisdiction, certain criteria must be met. Firstly, the individual or entity could be a resident of California. If not a resident, the nonresident must have established 'minimum contacts' with the state, meaning they have conducted activities that would justify the court's authority over them. This could include conducting business, owning property, or committing a tort within the state. Lastly, a person or entity can consent to California's jurisdiction by agreeing to it in a contract, such as including a forum selection clause in terms of service or other agreements. California courts also adhere to the principles established by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding personal jurisdiction, ensuring that exercising jurisdiction respects the due process rights of the individuals or entities involved.