What is the doctrine of forum non conveniens used for?

The doctrine of forum non conveniens is primarily utilized to dismiss a case when it is deemed that another forum or venue is more appropriate for the case to be heard, making it more convenient for the parties and witnesses involved. This doctrine acknowledges that while a court may have jurisdiction over a case, it may be more reasonable and just to have that case heard in a different jurisdiction where the matters are more closely connected or where the evidence and witnesses are more readily available.

In practical terms, this means that a court can decide not to hear a case because another court, typically located in a different geographic area, would provide a more suitable setting for effectively addressing the issues at hand. Factors that courts often weigh in making this determination include the location of evidence, the convenience for witnesses, and the public interest in having the case resolved in the jurisdiction where it most logically belongs.

While other options speak to concepts related to jurisdiction, appeals, or rights, the central purpose of the doctrine is specifically about the convenience of the forum in which a case is litigated, marking the distinction for its application in legal proceedings.