Forum State

/ˈfɔːrəm steɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The state whose courts have jurisdiction over a legal case, often the location where the lawsuit is filed or where the parties have agreed to litigate.
    The plaintiff filed the lawsuit in the forum state where the contract was executed.

Forms

  • forum state
  • forum states

Commentary

The term is central to jurisdictional analysis and venue selection, helping to determine which state's laws and courts will decide a dispute.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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Amicus Docs | Forum State Definition