LAW 110 Chapter Notes - Chapter BK-v-Rud: John Paul Stevens, Minimum Contacts
Document Summary
Rudzewicz and macshara (defendants), residents of michigan, had a contract with burger king (plaintiff) as franchisees for 20 years. The contract said that the franchise relationship would be established in miami (where. Plaintiff"s principal offices are) and that the relationship would be governed by florida law. Defendants fell behind in monthly payments and plaintiff brought a diversity action in federal court in florida. Defendants argued that the court lacked jurisdiction because defendants were residents of michigan and the claim did not arise in florida. The court said the claims did arise under the florida long-arm statute and found for plaintiff. The court of appeals reversed on the grounds that exercising jurisdiction would offend the fundamental fairness of due process. p appealed. When the defendant has a business relationship and agreement with a corporation located in the forum state and there is a forum-selection clause in the agreement, the forum state may exercise personal jurisdiction if the long- arm statute permits.
