Civil Procedure
FOR-um non con-VEE-nee-enzForum Non Conveniens
Definition
Forum non conveniens is a discretionary doctrine allowing a court to dismiss a case when another forum is substantially more convenient for the parties and witnesses, and better serves the interests of justice. The court considers private interest factors (ease of access to evidence, costs, enforceability of judgment) and public interest factors (court congestion, local interest in the dispute, choice-of-law concerns). The doctrine typically involves an alternative forum in another country.
Example
Scottish plaintiffs sue an American manufacturer in a U.S. court for an accident that occurred in Scotland with Scottish witnesses. The court may dismiss on forum non conveniens grounds.