forum non conveniens doctrine (Rhode Island) · Go Syfert
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forum non conveniens doctrine in Rhode Island

8 Rhode Island opinions name it 2 courts 2001–2016 0 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Rhode Island courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (16)

CaseFollowedCited
Kedy v. A.W. Chesterton Co.green
ri · 2008 · cited in 4 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2009–2016
2 sentences

2016Adopted by this Court in Kedy , “[t]he [common law] doctrine of forum non conveniens is ‘an equitable principle by which a court having jurisdiction may decline to exercise it on considerations of convenience, efficiency, and justice.’” Id. at 1178 (quoting AT & T Corp. v. Sigala, 274 Ga. 137 , 549 S.E.2d 373, 375 (2001)).

2016In Kedy, 946 A.2d at 1175 , we recognized the viability of the doctrine of forum non conveniens in Rhode Island’s common-law jurisprudence.

24
At & T CORP. v. Sigalagreen
ga · 2001 · cited in 3 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2016
2 sentences

2016Adopted by this Court in Kedy , “[t]he [common law] doctrine of forum non conveniens is ‘an equitable principle by which a court having jurisdiction may decline to exercise it on considerations of convenience, efficiency, and justice.’” Id. at 1178 (quoting AT & T Corp. v. Sigala, 274 Ga. 137 , 549 S.E.2d 373, 375 (2001)).

2016Adopted by this Court in Kedy , “[t]he [common law] doctrine of forum non conveniens is ‘an equitable principle by which a court having jurisdiction may decline to exercise it on considerations of convenience, efficiency, and justice.’” Id. at 1178 (quoting AT & T Corp. v. Sigala, 274 Ga. 137 , 549 S.E.2d 373, 375 (2001)).

23
Piper Aircraft Co. v. Reynogreen
scotus · 1982 · cited in 3 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2010
2 sentences

2010The more vital, overall inquiry is whether Plaintiffs' forum choice was made with the purpose of forum shopping or with an intention to "vex, harass, or oppress the defendant." Kedy , 946 A.2d at 1185 (quoting Gulf Oil Corp ., 330 U.S. at 508 ); see also Piper Aircraft Co. v. Reyno , 454 U.S. 235 , 257 n. 23 (1981) (stating that the forum non conveniens analysis turns on whether "the balance of *Page 13 conveniences suggests that trial in the chosen forum would be unnecessarily burdensome for the defendant or the court, [in which case] dismissal is proper").

2010Regardless of whether the plaintiff selects a home or foreign forum, a court's most important examination is whether the plaintiff's forum choice was made with the purpose of forum shopping or with an intention to "vex, harass, or oppress the defendant." Kedy , 946 A.2d at 1185 (quoting Gulf Oil Corp. , 330 U.S. at 508 ); see also Piper Aircraft Co. , 454 U.S. at 257 n. 23 (stating that the forum non conveniens analysis turns on whether "the balance of conveniences suggests that trial in the chosen forum would be unnecessarily burdensome for the defendant or the court, [in which case] dismissa

23
Gulf Oil Corp. v. Gilbertred
scotus · 1947 · cited in 4 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2010
2 sentences

2010The doctrine of forum non conveniens permits "a court [to] resist imposition upon its jurisdiction even when jurisdiction is authorized by the letter of a general venue statute." Kedy , 946 A.2d at 1178 (quoting Gulf Oil Corp. v. Gilbert , 330 U.S. 501 , 507 (1947)).

2010Regardless of whether the plaintiff selects a home or foreign forum, a court's most important examination is whether the plaintiff's forum choice was made with the purpose of forum shopping or with an intention to "vex, harass, or oppress the defendant." Kedy , 946 A.2d at 1185 (quoting Gulf Oil Corp. , 330 U.S. at 508 ); see also Piper Aircraft Co. , 454 U.S. at 257 n. 23 (stating that the forum non conveniens analysis turns on whether "the balance of conveniences suggests that trial in the chosen forum would be unnecessarily burdensome for the defendant or the court, [in which case] dismissa

14
Manu International, S.A. v. Avon Products, Inc.green
ca2 · 1981 · cited in 2 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
2 sentences

2010Considering that Kedy acknowledged that advancements in technology have made travel far less necessary and have reduced the expense to litigants, Kedy , 946 A.2d at 1188 -89 , this Court agrees with the "recent sentiment . . . [of] evaluating the forum non conveniens factors in light of the increased speed and ease of travel and communications, especially when a key issue is the location of witnesses." Manu Int'l v. Avon Prods., Inc. , 641 F.2d at 65 .

2010The Rhode Island Supreme Court held that this factor weighed in favor of dismissal in the Kedy case, but also noted that modern technology has "greatly relieved the burdens of long-distance litigation." Id. at 1188; see also Manu Int'l v. Avon Prods., Inc. , 641 F.2d 62 , 65 (2d Cir. 1981) (agreeing with the "recent sentiment . . . [of] evaluating the forum non conveniens factors in light of the increased speed and ease of travel and communications, especially when a key issue is the location of witnesses").

12
Tanner v. Town Council of Town of East Greenwichgreen
ri · 2005 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
1 sentence

2008See Tanner v. Town Council of East Greenwich, 880 A.2d 784, 801 (R.I.2005). [44] The defendants concede that the Superior Court has proper jurisdiction and venue, so we proceed directly to the forum non conveniens inquiry.

11
Universal Adjustment Corp. v. Midland Bank, Ltd., of Londongreen
mass · 1933 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008Searle & Co., 314 Md. 521 , 552 A.2d 29, 31 (1989); Universal Adjustment Corp. v. Midland Bank Ltd. of London, England, 281 Mass. 303 , 184 N.E. 152, 159 (1933); Elliott v. Johnston, 365 Mo. 881 , 292 S.W.2d 589, 593 (1956); St.

2008Searle & Co., 314 Md. 521 , 552 A.2d 29, 31 (1989); Universal Adjustment Corp. v. Midland Bank Ltd. of London, England, 281 Mass. 303 , 184 N.E. 152, 159 (1933); Elliott v. Johnston, 365 Mo. 881 , 292 S.W.2d 589, 593 (1956); St.

11
In Re Ben Jean Prevot and Arielle Dominique Prevot, the Minor Children. Jean-Claude Prevot v. Debra Moseman Prevotgreen
ca6 · 1995 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
1 sentence

2008Chambers v. NASCO, Inc., 501 U.S. 32, 44 , 111 S.Ct. 2123 , 115 L.Ed.2d 27 (1991) (describing forum non conveniens as an inherent power); In re Prevot, 59 F.3d 556, 565-66 (6th Cir.1995) (dismissal on forum non conve-niens is an inherent power); Running v. Southwest Freight Lines, Inc., 227 Ark. 839 , 303 S.W.2d 578, 580 (1957) (describing the forum non conveniens inquiry as an inherent power); AT & T Corp., 549 S.E.2d at 376 ; Johnson v. G.D.

11
State v. DIST. OF EIGHTH JUDG. DIST. CT.green
mont · 1995 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
1 sentence

2008Burlington Northern Railroad Co. v. District Court, 270 Mont. 146 , 891 P.2d 493, 498 (1995) (explaining that the court has "neither accepted nor rejected the application of forum non conveniens in non-FELA cases and we have neither denied nor recognized the existence of that doctrine in cases where there is no strong policy favoring plaintiff’s forum selection”).

11
Rule v. Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway Co.green
mont · 2005 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008See Rule v. Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co., 325 Mont. 329 , 106 P.3d 533, 536 (2005) ("this Court does not recognize the doctrine of forum non conveniens in FELA actions”); State ex rel.

2008See Rule v. Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co., 325 Mont. 329 , 106 P.3d 533, 536 (2005) ("this Court does not recognize the doctrine of forum non conveniens in FELA actions”); State ex rel.

11
Elliott v. Johnstongreen
mo · 1956 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008Searle & Co., 314 Md. 521 , 552 A.2d 29, 31 (1989); Universal Adjustment Corp. v. Midland Bank Ltd. of London, England, 281 Mass. 303 , 184 N.E. 152, 159 (1933); Elliott v. Johnston, 365 Mo. 881 , 292 S.W.2d 589, 593 (1956); St.

2008Searle & Co., 314 Md. 521 , 552 A.2d 29, 31 (1989); Universal Adjustment Corp. v. Midland Bank Ltd. of London, England, 281 Mass. 303 , 184 N.E. 152, 159 (1933); Elliott v. Johnston, 365 Mo. 881 , 292 S.W.2d 589, 593 (1956); St.

11
Atalanta Corp. v. Polskie Linie Oceanicznegreen
· 1988 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
1 sentence

2008See Atlanta Corp. v. Polskie Linie Oceaniczne , 683 F.Supp. 347 , 342 (S.D.N.Y. 1988 (holding that when dismissing a claim due to forum non conveniens , a court may require "that defendants consent to jurisdiction of the alternative forum and waive their statute of limitations defense in that forum"). 6 Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1407 (a), "When civil actions involving one or more common questions of fact are pending in different districts, such actions may be transferred to any district for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings.

11
Johnson v. G.D. Searle & Co.green
md · 1989 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008Searle & Co., 314 Md. 521 , 552 A.2d 29, 31 (1989); Universal Adjustment Corp. v. Midland Bank Ltd. of London, England, 281 Mass. 303 , 184 N.E. 152, 159 (1933); Elliott v. Johnston, 365 Mo. 881 , 292 S.W.2d 589, 593 (1956); St.

2008Searle & Co., 314 Md. 521 , 552 A.2d 29, 31 (1989); Universal Adjustment Corp. v. Midland Bank Ltd. of London, England, 281 Mass. 303 , 184 N.E. 152, 159 (1933); Elliott v. Johnston, 365 Mo. 881 , 292 S.W.2d 589, 593 (1956); St.

11
Lacey v. Cessna Aircraft Companygreen
ca3 · 1988 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
1 sentence

2008Lacey v. Cessna Aircraft Co., 862 F.2d 38, 43-44 (3d Cir.1988).

11
Running v. Southwest Freight Lines, Inc.green
ark · 1957 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008Chambers v. NASCO, Inc., 501 U.S. 32, 44 , 111 S.Ct. 2123 , 115 L.Ed.2d 27 (1991) (describing forum non conveniens as an inherent power); In re Prevot, 59 F.3d 556, 565-66 (6th Cir.1995) (dismissal on forum non conve-niens is an inherent power); Running v. Southwest Freight Lines, Inc., 227 Ark. 839 , 303 S.W.2d 578, 580 (1957) (describing the forum non conveniens inquiry as an inherent power); AT & T Corp., 549 S.E.2d at 376 ; Johnson v. G.D.

2008Chambers v. NASCO, Inc., 501 U.S. 32, 44 , 111 S.Ct. 2123 , 115 L.Ed.2d 27 (1991) (describing forum non conveniens as an inherent power); In re Prevot, 59 F.3d 556, 565-66 (6th Cir.1995) (dismissal on forum non conve-niens is an inherent power); Running v. Southwest Freight Lines, Inc., 227 Ark. 839 , 303 S.W.2d 578, 580 (1957) (describing the forum non conveniens inquiry as an inherent power); AT & T Corp., 549 S.E.2d at 376 ; Johnson v. G.D.

11
Adkins v. Chi. R. Is. & Pac. RR Co.green
ill · 1973 · cited in 1 Rhode Island opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
2 sentences

2008The doctrine of forum non conveniens “is founded in considerations of fundamental fairness and sensible and effective judicial administration,” Adkins v. Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Co., 54 Ill.2d 511 , 301 N.E.2d 729, 730 (1973), and it is widely recognized to be of common law origin.

2008The doctrine of forum non conveniens “is founded in considerations of fundamental fairness and sensible and effective judicial administration,” Adkins v. Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Co., 54 Ill.2d 511 , 301 N.E.2d 729, 730 (1973), and it is widely recognized to be of common law origin.

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Rhode Island. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (10)

CaseCitedYears
Sinochem International Co. v. Malaysia International Shipping Corp. green
scotus · 2007
2 sentences

2010Accordingly, a "defendant invoking forum non conveniens ordinarily bears a heavy burden in opposing the plaintiff's chosen forum[,]" id. at 1183 (quoting Sinochem Int'l Co. v. Malaysia Int'l Shipping Corp. , 549 U.S. 422 , 430 (2007)), and "carries the burden of persuasion at each stage of the forum non conveniens inquiry[.]" Id.

2010Accordingly, a "defendant invoking forum non conveniens ordinarily bears a heavy burden in opposing the plaintiff's chosen forum[,]" id. at 1183 (quoting Sinochem Int'l Co. v. Malaysia Int'l Shipping Corp. , 549 U.S. 422 , 430 (2007)), and "carries the burden of persuasion at each stage of the forum non conveniens inquiry[.]" Id.

22010–2010
Elbalah v. Republic Insurance green
rid · 1995
2 sentences

2008In general, "a plaintiff's choice of forum is entitled to great weight and should be disturbed only in exceptional circumstances." Ebalah v. Republic Insurance Company , 879 F.Supp. 3 , 4 (D.R.I. 1995) (discussing the transfer of a case to a more convenient forum pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1404 (a)).

2008Co. , 879 F.Supp. 3 , 4 (D.R.I. 1995). 5 The Rhode Island Supreme Court has never ruled on or discussed the doctrine of forum non conveniens .

22008–2008
Kettenbach v. Demoulas green
mad · 1993
1 sentence

2010Kettenbach v. Demoulas , 822 F. Supp. 43 , 45 (D.

12010–2010
State ex rel. Burlington Northern Railroad v. District Court of the Eighth Judicial District Court green
mont · 1995
1 sentence

2008Burlington Northern Railroad Co. v. District Court, 270 Mont. 146 , 891 P.2d 493, 498 (1995) (explaining that the court has "neither accepted nor rejected the application of forum non conveniens in non-FELA cases and we have neither denied nor recognized the existence of that doctrine in cases where there is no strong policy favoring plaintiff’s forum selection”).

12008–2008
American Dredging Co. v. Miller green
scotus · 1994
2 sentences

2008Under the doctrine of forum non conveniens, “when an alternative forum has jurisdiction to hear [a] case, and when *1183 trial in the chosen forum would ‘establish * * * oppressiveness and vexation to a defendant * * * out of all proportion to plaintiffs convenience,’ or when the ‘chosen forum [is] inappropriate because of considerations affecting the court’s own administrative and legal problems,’ the court may, in the exercise of its sound discretion, dismiss the case” on forum non conveniens grounds, “even if jurisdiction and proper venue are established.” American Dredging Co. v. Miller, 5

2008Under the doctrine of forum non conveniens, “when an alternative forum has jurisdiction to hear [a] case, and when *1183 trial in the chosen forum would ‘establish * * * oppressiveness and vexation to a defendant * * * out of all proportion to plaintiffs convenience,’ or when the ‘chosen forum [is] inappropriate because of considerations affecting the court’s own administrative and legal problems,’ the court may, in the exercise of its sound discretion, dismiss the case” on forum non conveniens grounds, “even if jurisdiction and proper venue are established.” American Dredging Co. v. Miller, 5

12008–2008
Chambers v. Nasco, Inc. green
scotus · 1991
2 sentences

2008Chambers v. NASCO, Inc., 501 U.S. 32, 44 , 111 S.Ct. 2123 , 115 L.Ed.2d 27 (1991) (describing forum non conveniens as an inherent power); In re Prevot, 59 F.3d 556, 565-66 (6th Cir.1995) (dismissal on forum non conve-niens is an inherent power); Running v. Southwest Freight Lines, Inc., 227 Ark. 839 , 303 S.W.2d 578, 580 (1957) (describing the forum non conveniens inquiry as an inherent power); AT & T Corp., 549 S.E.2d at 376 ; Johnson v. G.D.

2008Chambers v. NASCO, Inc., 501 U.S. 32, 44 , 111 S.Ct. 2123 , 115 L.Ed.2d 27 (1991) (describing forum non conveniens as an inherent power); In re Prevot, 59 F.3d 556, 565-66 (6th Cir.1995) (dismissal on forum non conve-niens is an inherent power); Running v. Southwest Freight Lines, Inc., 227 Ark. 839 , 303 S.W.2d 578, 580 (1957) (describing the forum non conveniens inquiry as an inherent power); AT & T Corp., 549 S.E.2d at 376 ; Johnson v. G.D.

12008–2008
Rogers v. Guaranty Trust Co. green
scotus · 1933
1 sentence

2001Co., 326 U.S. 549 (1946) (quoting Rogers v. Guaranty Trust Co., 288 U.S. 123 ,151 (1933) (Cardozo, J. dissenting)), the rationale for which is that maintenance of a suit away from the domicile of the defendant — whether a corporation or an individual — might be vexatious or oppressive.

12001–2001
Broderick v. Rosner green
scotus · 1935
1 sentence

2001Baker v. Bell Helicopter Textron, 985 S.W.2d 272 (1999) (citing Broderick v. Rosner, 294 U.S. 629 (1935).

12001–2001
Williams v. Green Bay & Western Railroad green
scotus · 1946
1 sentence

2001Co., 326 U.S. 549 (1946) (quoting Rogers v. Guaranty Trust Co., 288 U.S. 123 ,151 (1933) (Cardozo, J. dissenting)), the rationale for which is that maintenance of a suit away from the domicile of the defendant — whether a corporation or an individual — might be vexatious or oppressive.

12001–2001
Baker v. Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. green
texapp · 1999
1 sentence

2001Baker v. Bell Helicopter Textron, 985 S.W.2d 272 (1999) (citing Broderick v. Rosner, 294 U.S. 629 (1935).

12001–2001

Where else courts name it

IL 259 (1948–2026) PA 113 (1959–2026) TX 110 (1960–2025) CA 109 (1953–2026) NY 105 (1943–2025) FL 88 (1954–2024) AL 74 (1990–2025) DE 68 (1961–2026) NJ 48 (1954–2024) OH 46 (1936–2025) CT 44 (1985–2020) MI 31 (1973–2020) DC 31 (1957–2015) WA 28 (1959–2026) MO 25 (1958–2023) WV 24 (1963–2026) MA 20 (1936–2024) MT 18 (1961–2017) GA 18 (1956–2025) LA 17 (1971–2010) MN 16 (1954–2019) MS 14 (1968–2020) TN 12 (1989–2025) MD 10 (1995–2025) ME 10 (1989–2020) NM 10 (1979–1998) KY 9 (1981–2023) OR 9 (1968–2025) IN 9 (1985–2019) CO 9 (1972–2019) OK 8 (1974–2014) RI 8 (2001–2016) UT 7 (1950–2023) SD 6 (1990–2015) VA 6 (1991–2013) AR 6 (1957–2010) NV 6 (2013–2022) AK 6 (1985–2024) NC 5 (2014–2020) WY 4 (1999–2024) KS 4 (1962–1990) IA 3 (1995–2018) NH 3 (1988–2007) AZ 3 (1978–2024) ND 2 (2009–2009) VI 2 (2023–2023) HI 2 (1948–1998) NE 2 (2007–2021)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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