Under venue law, may a court decline to entertain an action on the basis of forum inconvenience, even if it has jurisdiction?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if the plaintiff consents
• D. Only if the defendant consents

Answer: (A)

Forum non conveniens lets a court decline to hear a case even when it has jurisdiction if another forum is clearly more convenient and has an adequate remedy. The court weighs private factors (ease of gathering witnesses and proof, access to sources, costs) and public factors (local interest, court congestion, and the law that should apply). If the balance tips in favor of the other forum and that forum is available and adequate, the action can be dismissed or stayed. The plaintiff’s choice of forum is given respect, but not controlling when the factors strongly favor the alternative. So, yes, a court may decline to entertain the action on forum non conveniens grounds despite jurisdiction.