In California civil cases, “venue” refers to the geographic location where a lawsuit should be filed and heard. California law provides specific rules about venue to ensure that cases are heard in the most appropriate location, typically where the parties reside or where the events giving rise to the lawsuit occurred. According to California Code of Civil Procedure section 395, the general rule is that a case should be filed in the county where the defendant resides or where the cause of action (the events or transactions leading to the lawsuit) took place. For example, if a contract dispute arose from a business transaction in Los Angeles, the lawsuit would typically be filed in Los Angeles County.
However, there are exceptions to the general venue rules, depending on the type of case. For instance, if the lawsuit involves real property, the venue may be the county where the property is located. In cases where the defendant is a corporation, venue is usually proper in the county where the corporation has its principal place of business or does substantial business. If a party believes that the venue is inconvenient or improper, they can file a motion to change the venue to another county. California courts also recognize the concept of “forum non conveniens,” which allows for a case to be transferred to a more suitable venue if it would serve the interests of justice. Ultimately, venue rules are designed to promote fairness and convenience for all parties involved.
