Legal Definitions - foreign

In legal terms, foreign describes something that originates from, belongs to, or is related to a different country or a different legal authority (jurisdiction) than the one currently under consideration.

• Example 1: International Business Contract
  Imagine a software company based in Canada that signs a contract with a client located in Japan. The terms of this agreement specify that any disputes will be resolved under Japanese law. From the perspective of a Canadian court, the Japanese legal system and any judgments issued by a Japanese court regarding this contract would be considered foreign.

  This example illustrates "foreign" referring to a different country's legal system and its application in an international business context.

• Example 2: Interstate Child Custody Order
  A family court in Florida issues a child custody order for a couple divorcing there. If one parent later moves with the child to Georgia, and a dispute arises, the Georgia courts would typically recognize the Florida court's order. However, from the perspective of the Georgia legal system, the original custody order from Florida is considered a foreign judgment because it was issued by a court in a different state's jurisdiction.

  This example illustrates "foreign" referring to a legal document or ruling from a different state's jurisdiction within the same country.

• Example 3: Corporate Registration
  A company that was officially established (incorporated) under the laws of the state of Nevada decides to open a branch office and conduct significant business operations in California. For the purpose of California state regulations and taxation, the Nevada-incorporated entity would be referred to as a foreign corporation.

  This example illustrates "foreign" describing a legal entity (like a corporation) whose legal origin and governing laws are from a different state's jurisdiction.