Legal Definitions - forum conveniens

Definition: Forum conveniens is a Latin term that means "a suitable forum." It refers to the court where a legal action is most appropriately brought, taking into account the convenience and best interests of the parties and witnesses involved. This is in contrast to forum non conveniens, which refers to a court that is not the most appropriate or convenient for the case.

For example, if a person is injured in a car accident in California but lives in New York, they may have the option to file a lawsuit in either state. The forum conveniens would be the court that is most convenient and appropriate for the case, taking into account factors such as the location of witnesses, the location of evidence, and the applicable laws.

Another example would be a multinational corporation that is sued by a group of plaintiffs from different countries. The forum conveniens would be the court that is most appropriate and convenient for all parties involved, taking into account factors such as the location of the company's headquarters, the location of the plaintiffs, and the applicable laws.

These examples illustrate how forum conveniens is used to determine the most appropriate and convenient court for a legal action, based on the specific circumstances of the case. It is important to consider the interests and convenience of all parties involved in order to ensure a fair and just outcome.