Which statement about forum non conveniens is accurate?

Which statement about forum non conveniens is accurate?

• A. It describes the doctrine that allows a case to be heard only in the defendant's preferred forum.
• B. It describes a doctrine that forces transfer to the forum with the most favorable law.
• C. It describes a doctrine allowing dismissal or transfer to a more convenient forum when another forum is available and appropriate.
• D. It describes a doctrine related to forum selection with consent.

Answer: (C)

Forum non conveniens is the court’s discretionary power to dismiss or transfer a case to a more convenient and appropriate forum when an adequate alternative exists. The decision rests on balancing private interests (like witnesses, evidence, and costs) and public interests (such as the forum’s connection to the case and court system efficiency). It’s not about pursuing the defendant’s preferred forum, nor about transferring to the forum with the most favorable law, nor about consent-based forum selection. If another forum is available and adequate, and the balance of factors favors that forum, dismissal or transfer is appropriate.

Forum non conveniens is the court’s discretionary power to dismiss or transfer a case to a more convenient and appropriate forum when an adequate alternative exists. The decision rests on balancing private interests (like witnesses, evidence, and costs) and public interests (such as the forum’s connection to the case and court system efficiency). It’s not about pursuing the defendant’s preferred forum, nor about transferring to the forum with the most favorable law, nor about consent-based forum selection. If another forum is available and adequate, and the balance of factors favors that forum, dismissal or transfer is appropriate.