forum non conveniens doctrine in Connecticut

2003This "discretion does not, however, overshadow the central principle of the forum non conveniens doctrine that unless the balance is strongly in favor of the defendant, the plaintiff's choice of forum should rarely be disturbed." (Internal quotation marks omitted.) Id. , 500.

2002Forum Non Conveniens "[T]he central principle of the forum non conveniens doctrine [is] that unless the balance is strongly in favor of the defendant. the plaintiffs choice of forum should rarely be disturbed." (Emphasis added; internal quotation marks omitted.) Picketts v. International Playtex, Inc ., 215 Conn. 490 , 500 , 576 A.2d 518 (1990).

2001The leading case on the doctrine of forum non conveniens is Gulf Oil Corp. v. Gilbert , 330 U.S. 501 , 67 S.Ct. 839 , 91 L.Ed. 1055 (1947).

2001The leading case on the doctrine of forum non conveniens is Gulf Oil Corp. v. Gilbert , 330 U.S. 501 , 67 S.Ct. 839 , 91 L.Ed. 1055 (1947).

2003"The common law doctrine of forum non conveniens is an exception to the general rule that a court must hear and decide cases over which it has jurisdiction by statute or constitution, and recognizes the discretion of a court, in some few instances, where jurisdiction and venue are proper . . . to dismiss a suit because the court has determined that another forum is better suited to decide the issues involved." (Citation omitted.) Sabino v. Ruffolo , 19 Conn. App. 402 , 405-06 , 562 A.2d 1134 (1989).

2003"The common law doctrine of forum non conveniens is an exception to the general rule that a court must hear and decide cases over which it has jurisdiction by statute or constitution, and recognizes the discretion of a court, in some few instances, where jurisdiction and venue are proper . . . to dismiss a suit because the court has determined that another forum is better suited to decide the issues involved." (Citation omitted.) Sabino v. Ruffolo , 19 Conn. App. 402 , 405-06 , 562 A.2d 1134 (1989).

2000CT Page 4001 Under the doctrine of forum non conveniens, the court has the discretion to decide "where the trial will best serve the convenience of the parties and the ends of justice." Union Carbide Corporation v. Aetna Casualty Surety Co., 212 Conn. 311 , 319 (1989).

1992Union Carbide v. Aetna, 212 Conn. 311 (1989), (recognizing the existence of the common law doctrine of forum non conveniens in which the court affirmed the dismissal for reimbursement of outstanding claims for environmental property damages and cleanup costs at 13 toxic waste sites all of which were located outside of Connecticut.) "In use of this discretion the trial court must weigh the relative advantages and obstacles to a fair trial. . . .

1999See, e.g., Picketts v. International Playtex, Inc., supra, 215 Conn. 497 ; Union Carbide Corp. v. Aetna Casualty Surety Co., supra, 212 Conn. 319 ; Schrader v. United Services Automobile Assn., 33 Conn. App. 923 , 635 A.2d 883 (1994); Miller v. United Technologies Corp., 40 Conn. Sup. 457 , 460 , 515 A.2d 390 (1986); Schwartz v. Bitter End Yacht Club International, Inc., Superior Court, judicial district of New Haven, Docket No. 398306 (May 18, 1998, Zoarski, J ). "[T]he central principle of the forum non conveniens doctrine [is] that "unless the balance is strongly in favor of the defendant,

1999See, e.g., Picketts v. International Playtex, Inc., supra, 215 Conn. 497 ; Union Carbide Corp. v. Aetna Casualty Surety Co., supra, 212 Conn. 319 ; Schrader v. United Services Automobile Assn., 33 Conn. App. 923 , 635 A.2d 883 (1994); Miller v. United Technologies Corp., 40 Conn. Sup. 457 , 460 , 515 A.2d 390 (1986); Schwartz v. Bitter End Yacht Club International, Inc., Superior Court, judicial district of New Haven, Docket No. 398306 (May 18, 1998, Zoarski, J ). "[T]he central principle of the forum non conveniens doctrine [is] that "unless the balance is strongly in favor of the defendant,

1999Union Carbide Corporation v. Aetna Casualty Surety Co. , supra, 212 Conn. 319 . [T]he central principle of the forum non conveniens doctrine [is] that unless the balance is strongly in favor of the defendant, the plaintiffs choice of forum should rarely be disturbed (Emphasis added.) Gulf Oil Corporation v. Gilbert, supra, 508 ; Manu International, S.A. v. Avon Products, Inc. , 641 F.2d 62 , 65 (2d Cir. 1981), Although it would be inappropriate to invoke rigid rule to govern discretion; Piper Aircraft Co. v. Reyno, 454 U.S. 235 , 249 , 102 S.Ct. 252 , 70 L.Ed.2d 419 (1981); it bears emphasis t

1999Union Carbide Corporation v. Aetna Casualty Surety Co. , supra, 212 Conn. 319 . [T]he central principle of the forum non conveniens doctrine [is] that unless the balance is strongly in favor of the defendant, the plaintiffs choice of forum should rarely be disturbed (Emphasis added.) Gulf Oil Corporation v. Gilbert, supra, 508 ; Manu International, S.A. v. Avon Products, Inc. , 641 F.2d 62 , 65 (2d Cir. 1981), Although it would be inappropriate to invoke rigid rule to govern discretion; Piper Aircraft Co. v. Reyno, 454 U.S. 235 , 249 , 102 S.Ct. 252 , 70 L.Ed.2d 419 (1981); it bears emphasis t

1991Id., at 405-406, citing Gulf Oil v. Gilbert, supra. Whether an action should be dismissed for forum non conveniens is governed by the private and public interest factors outlined in Gulf Oil Corporation v. Gilbert, supra. "The ultimate inquiry on whether the common law doctrine of forum non conveniens should be applied is where the trial will best serve the convenience of the parties and the ends of justice." Coster v. Lumbermen's Mutual, 330 U.S. 518 , 527 (1947).

1985Gulf Oil Corporation v. Gilbert, supra, 508-509 . “[T]he ultimate inquiry [on whether the common law doctrine of forum non conveniens should be applied] is where trial will best serve the convenience of the parties and the ends of justice.” Koster v. (American) Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Co., 330 U.S. 518, 527 , 67 S. Ct. 828 , 91 L.

2006We now identify the relevant common-law principles and the applicable standard of review that guide our resolution of the plaintiffs claim, as set forth by our Supreme Court in Durkin v. Intevac, Inc., 258 Conn. 454, 463-65 , 782 A.2d 103 (2001).

2003"Emphasis on the trial court's discretion does not, however, overshadow the central principle of the forum non conveniens doctrine that unless the balance is strongly in favor of the defendant[s], the [plaintiffs'] choice of forum should rarely be disturbed." Durkin v. Intevac, Inc. , 258 Conn. 454 , 464 (2001).

1995Miller v. United Technologies , 40 Conn. Sup. 457 , 459 , 515 A.2d 386 (1986); Digital Equipment v. International Digital Systems , 130 N.H. 362 , 540 A.2d 1230 (1988)." Sabino v. Ruffolo , supra, 19 Conn. App. 406 .

1995Miller v. United Technologies , 40 Conn. Sup. 457 , 459 , 515 A.2d 386 (1986); Digital Equipment v. International Digital Systems , 130 N.H. 362 , 540 A.2d 1230 (1988)." Sabino v. Ruffolo , supra, 19 Conn. App. 406 .

1995Miller v. United Technologies , 40 Conn. Sup. 457 , 459 , 515 A.2d 386 (1986); Digital Equipment v. International Digital Systems , 130 N.H. 362 , 540 A.2d 1230 (1988)." Sabino v. Ruffolo , supra, 19 Conn. App. 406 .

1989Miller v. United Technologies, 40 Conn. Sup. 457, 459 , 515 A.2d 386 (1986); Digital Equipment v. International Digital Systems, 130 N.H. 362 , 540 A.2d 1230 (1988).

2003"This doctrine is succinctly summarized in the Restatement (Second) of Conflict of Laws as holding that: `A state will not exercise jurisdiction if it is a seriously inconvenient forum for the trial of the CT Page 2905-av action provided that a more appropriate forum is available to the plaintiff.' 1 Restatement (Second), Conflict of Laws § 84, p. 251 (1971)." Betensky v. Opcon Associates, Inc. , 46 Conn. Sup. 110 , 119 , 738 A.2d 1171 (1999) ( 24 Conn.L.Rptr. 327 ).

2003"This doctrine is succinctly summarized in the Restatement (Second) of Conflict of Laws as holding that: `A state will not exercise jurisdiction if it is a seriously inconvenient forum for the trial of the CT Page 2905-av action provided that a more appropriate forum is available to the plaintiff.' 1 Restatement (Second), Conflict of Laws § 84, p. 251 (1971)." Betensky v. Opcon Associates, Inc. , 46 Conn. Sup. 110 , 119 , 738 A.2d 1171 (1999) ( 24 Conn.L.Rptr. 327 ).

2001"However, when an alternative forum has jurisdiction to hear the case, and when trial in the chosen forum would establish . . . oppressiveness and vexation to a defendant . . . out of all proportion to plaintiff's 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." (Internal quotation marks omitted.) Piper Aircraft Co. v. Reyno , supra, 454 U.S. 235 , 241 . "[T]he ultimate inquiry on whether the common law doctrine of forum non co

2001"However, when an alternative forum has jurisdiction to hear the case, and when trial in the chosen forum would establish . . . oppressiveness and vexation to a defendant . . . out of all proportion to plaintiff's 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." (Internal quotation marks omitted.) Piper Aircraft Co. v. Reyno , supra, 454 U.S. 235 , 241 . "[T]he ultimate inquiry on whether the common law doctrine of forum non co

2001Id., 6 .

2001The assessment of the relative ease of access to sources of proof and the availability of witnesses for trial generally requires that the trial court become “entangled in the merits of the underlying dispute.” Van Cauwenberghe v. Biard, 486 U.S. 517, 528 , 108 S. Ct. 1945 , 100 L.

2001The assessment of the relative ease of access to sources of proof and the availability of witnesses for trial generally requires that the trial court become “entangled in the merits of the underlying dispute.” Van Cauwenberghe v. Biard, 486 U.S. 517, 528 , 108 S. Ct. 1945 , 100 L.

1999"Generally, in the absence of strong countervailing considerations,`[t]he plaintiff's choice of forum [not withstanding that it] may well have been chosen . . . because it provides the plaintiff with certain procedural or substantive advantages, should be respected. . . .'" (Alterations in original.) Drumm v. Brown , 245 Conn. 657 , 688 , 716 A.2d 50 (1998).

1999"Generally, in the absence of strong countervailing considerations,`[t]he plaintiff's choice of forum [not withstanding that it] may well have been chosen . . . because it provides the plaintiff with certain procedural or substantive advantages, should be respected. . . .'" (Alterations in original.) Drumm v. Brown , 245 Conn. 657 , 688 , 716 A.2d 50 (1998).

1999See, e.g., Picketts v. International Playtex, Inc., supra, 215 Conn. 497 ; Union Carbide Corp. v. Aetna Casualty Surety Co., supra, 212 Conn. 319 ; Schrader v. United Services Automobile Assn., 33 Conn. App. 923 , 635 A.2d 883 (1994); Miller v. United Technologies Corp., 40 Conn. Sup. 457 , 460 , 515 A.2d 390 (1986); Schwartz v. Bitter End Yacht Club International, Inc., Superior Court, judicial district of New Haven, Docket No. 398306 (May 18, 1998, Zoarski, J ). "[T]he central principle of the forum non conveniens doctrine [is] that "unless the balance is strongly in favor of the defendant,

1999See, e.g., Picketts v. International Playtex, Inc., supra, 215 Conn. 497 ; Union Carbide Corp. v. Aetna Casualty Surety Co., supra, 212 Conn. 319 ; Schrader v. United Services Automobile Assn., 33 Conn. App. 923 , 635 A.2d 883 (1994); Miller v. United Technologies Corp., 40 Conn. Sup. 457 , 460 , 515 A.2d 390 (1986); Schwartz v. Bitter End Yacht Club International, Inc., Superior Court, judicial district of New Haven, Docket No. 398306 (May 18, 1998, Zoarski, J ). "[T]he central principle of the forum non conveniens doctrine [is] that "unless the balance is strongly in favor of the defendant,

1997In characterizing the doctrine of forum non conveniens as a "drastic remedy", the Court quoted from Carlenstolpe v. Merck Co., 638 F. Sup. 901 , 909 (S.D.N Y 1986), appeal dismissed, 819 F.2d 33 (2d Cir. 1987): The overriding inquiry in a forum non conveniens motion is not whether some other forum might be a good one, or even a better one than the plaintiff's chosen forum.

1997In characterizing the doctrine of forum non conveniens as a "drastic remedy", the Court quoted from Carlenstolpe v. Merck Co., 638 F. Sup. 901 , 909 (S.D.N Y 1986), appeal dismissed, 819 F.2d 33 (2d Cir. 1987): The overriding inquiry in a forum non conveniens motion is not whether some other forum might be a good one, or even a better one than the plaintiff's chosen forum.

1994"Where a motion to dismiss is `accompanied by supporting affidavits containing undisputed facts, the court may look to their content for determination of the jurisdictional issue. . . .' Barde v. Board of Trustees , 207 Conn. 59 , 62 , 539 A.2d 1000 (1988)." Hill v. W.R.

1994"Where a motion to dismiss is `accompanied by supporting affidavits containing undisputed facts, the court may look to their content for determination of the jurisdictional issue. . . .' Barde v. Board of Trustees , 207 Conn. 59 , 62 , 539 A.2d 1000 (1988)." Hill v. W.R.

1994"The doctrine of forum non conveniens should only be invoked in exceptional circumstances that demonstrate both inconvenience and hardship." First Piedmont v. Travelers Insurance Co. , 8 CSCR 373 (March 11, 1993 Wagner, J.), citing Sabino v. Ruffolo , supra, 19 Conn. App. 402 (1989) and, "[i]t is difficult to imagine after Picketts that the granting of a forum non conveniens motion would ever be sustained, particularly in the light of the Supreme Court's reference to `modern technological innovations' such as jet airplanes, satellites and video taped depositions," which weigh against inconveni

1989The United States Supreme Court has laid oüt a forum non conveniens analysis in a series of decisions; Piper Aircraft v. Reyno, supra; Gulf Oil Corporation v. Gilbert, supra; In re Union Carbide Corporation Plant Disaster at Bhopal, India, 634 F. Sup. 842, 846, modified, 809 F.2d 195 (S.D.N.Y. 1986) (Bhopal); and a few states have adopted that analysis.