World-Wide Volkswagen v Woodson 444 U.S. 286 [1980] Facts: Resp. purchases a new Audi from Pet. Seaway Volkswagon in NY. The following year they left NY for a new home in AZ. As they passed through OK another car struck their Audi in the rear, causing a fire which severely burned Resp’s wife and two children. Issues: Can a state have jurisdiction if there is not direct or indirect contractual relationship with the (D)?
Rules: Due process clause of Fourteenth Amendment limits power of state court to render valid personal judgment against nonresident defendant. State court may exercise personal jurisdiction over nonresident defendant only so long as there exist "minimum contacts" between defendant and forum state. Due Process requires adequate notice of suit? Further: A car driving in the state does not constitute and contract. Forseeability is not sufficient to establish due process. You cannot expect that the (D) in this case, because he sells cars that travel, would be liable for jurisdiction in that state because there was a crash.