Legal Definitions - venue, change of

Change of Venue

A "change of venue" is a legal procedure that involves moving a court case from one geographical location to another. This typically means transferring a case from one county or judicial district to a different one. The request for a change of venue is usually made by one of the parties involved in the lawsuit, and a judge will grant it if there are valid legal reasons. The primary goals of a change of venue are often to ensure a fair and impartial trial, to improve convenience for the parties and witnesses, or to correct an initial filing in an improper location.

• Example 1: Ensuring an Impartial Jury in a High-Profile Criminal Case

  Imagine a criminal trial for a notorious bank robbery that occurred in a small town. The local media has extensively covered the crime, publishing numerous articles and broadcasting interviews that have generated strong public opinions about the defendant's guilt. The defense attorney might file a motion for a change of venue, arguing that the intense pre-trial publicity and widespread local sentiment make it impossible to select an unbiased jury from the residents of that particular county. If the judge agrees that local prejudice or public opinion would prevent a fair trial, they might order the case to be moved to a different, more distant county where potential jurors are less likely to have been influenced by the local media coverage.

• Example 2: Convenience for Parties and Witnesses in a Civil Dispute

  Consider a civil lawsuit stemming from a construction dispute. The construction project itself was located in County A, so the lawsuit was initially filed there. However, all the key witnesses—including the architects, engineers, and construction workers—reside and work in County B, which is several hours away. Furthermore, the primary evidence, such as building plans and material samples, is stored in County B. One of the parties might request a change of venue to County B, arguing that it would be significantly more convenient and less disruptive for all involved parties and witnesses to attend court proceedings, reducing travel time and costs.

• Example 3: Avoiding Perceived Bias in a Local Government Case

  Suppose a citizen group files a lawsuit against the city council of a small municipality, challenging a controversial new zoning ordinance. The lawsuit is filed in the local county court. The citizen group might argue that, given the close-knit nature of the community and the direct involvement of local government officials, there could be a perception of bias or undue influence if the case remains in the local court. They might request a change of venue to a neighboring county, believing that a court and jury from outside the immediate community would be more likely to render a decision free from local political pressures or personal connections, thereby ensuring greater impartiality.