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Venue

Definition

In general, a place or location in which something takes place. The proper place to hold a civil or criminal trial, usually because important related events have taken place there.

Illustrative caselaw

See, e.g. Cortez Byrd Chips, Inc. v. Bill Harbert Construction Co., 529 U.S. 193 (2000).

See also

Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary

The appropriate location(s), according to law and court rules, for a trial. In a criminal case, the proper venue is generally the judicial district or county where the crime was committed. In civil cases, venue is generally proper in the county or district where important events related to the case took place, such as the signing or performance of a contract or the accident or other incident that led to a personal injury case. Typically, the plaintiff in a civil case may also sue in the district or county where the defendant lives or does business.

Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.

August 19, 2010, 5:26 pm

 

"Jurisdiction is the power to adjudicate and is granted by Congress.  Litigants may not confer this power on the court by waiver or consent . . . ."

"[B]ut the place where the power to adjudicate is to be exercised is venue, not jurisdiction.  The venue has relation to the convenience of the litigants and may be waived or laid by consent of the parties."

Iselin v. La Coste, 147 F.2d 791, 795 (5th Cir. 1945).