Document: 454 U.S. 235 102 S.Ct. 252 70 L.Ed.2d 419 PIPER AIRCRAFT COMPANY, Petitioner,v.Gaynell REYNO, Personal Representative of the Estate William Fehilly, et al. HARTZELL PROPELLER, INC., Petitioner, v. Gaynell Nos. 80-848, 80-883. Argued Oct. 14, 1981. Decided Dec. 8, Rehearing Denied Jan. 25, 1982. See 455 928, 1296. Syllabus ¢s235¢s Respondent, as representative estates several citizens and residents Scotland who were killed in an airplane crash during a charter flight, instituted wrongful-death litigation California state court against petitioners, which are company that manufactured plane Pennsylvania plane's propellers Ohio. At time was registered Great Britain owned operated by companies organized United Kingdom. The pilot all decedents' heirs next kin Scottish subjects citizens, investigation accident conducted British authorities. Respondent sought to recover from petitioners on basis negligence or strict liability (not recognized law), admitted action filed States because its laws regarding liability, capacity sue, damages more favorable respondent's position than those Scotland. On petitioners' motion, removed Federal District Court then transferred for Middle Pennsylvania, pursuant 28 U.S.C. § 1404(a). granted motion dismiss ground forum non conveniens. Relying test set forth Gulf Oil Corp. Gilbert, 330 501, 67 839, 91 L.Ed. 1055, analyzing "private interest factors" affecting litigants' convenience "public forum's convenience, concluded appropriate forum. However, Appeals reversed, holding had abused discretion conducting Gilbert analysis that, any event, dismissal is automatically barred where law alternative less plaintiff chosen plaintiff. Held : 1. Plaintiffs may not defeat conveniens merely showing substantive would be applied plaintiffs possibility change should ordinarily given conclusive even substantial weight inquiry. Canada Malting Co. Paterson Steamships, Ltd., 285 413, 52 76 837. Pp. 247-255. (a) Under supra, will trial plaintiff's imposes heavy burden defendant court, unable offer specific reasons supporting his choice. If unfavorable law, however, might plainly inconvenient, doctrine become virtually useless. Such approach only inconsistent with purpose doctrine, but also pose practical problems, requiring courts determine complex problems conflict comparative increasing flow into American foreign manufacturers. 248-252. (b) Nor analogy drawn between dismissals transfers federal 1404(a), construed Van Dusen Barrack, 376 612, 84 805, 11 945, precluding transfer if it resulted applicable law. statute enacted permit venue courts, although drafted accordance conveniens, intended revision rather codification common under 1404(a) they grounds distinguished. 253-254. 2. properly decided presumption favor choice maximum force when (as here) real parties foreign. When has home forum, reasonable assume convenient; foreign, this assumption much deserves deference. 255-256. 3. determination committed court's sound reversed there been clear abuse discretion. Here, did weighing private public interests thereby determining held 257-261. In factors, act unreasonably concluding fewer evidentiary posed Scotland, large proportion relevant evidence being located there. correctly inability implead potential third-party defendants—the pilot's estate, owners, company—supported 257-259. Court's review factors relating reasonable. Even aside question whether part, other very strong litigation. occurred there, decedents Scottish, apart either English. As argument have ensuring manufacturers deterred producing defective products additional deterrence obtained could sued both incremental likely insignificant sufficient justify enormous commitment judicial resources required. 259-261. 630 F.2d 149, 3rd Cir. reversed. James M. FitzSimons, New York City, Piper Aircraft. Warner W. Gardner, Washington, D. C., Hartzell Propeller, Inc. Daniel C. Cathcart, Los Angeles, Cal., respondents. Justice MARSHALL delivered opinion Court. 1 These cases arise out air took place acting accident, brought actions ultimately Pennsylvania. Petitioners moved After noting existed their motions. 479 F.Supp. 727 (1979). Third Circuit 149 (1980). based decision, at least Because we conclude not, itself, bar dismissal, otherwise discretion, reverse. 2 * A. 3 July 1976, small commercial aircraft crashed highlands course flight Blackpool Perth. five passengers instantly. residents, kin. There no eyewitnesses accident. subject traffic control. 4 aircraft, twin-engine Aztec, petitioner Aircraft (Piper). Ohio (Hartzell). maintained Air Navigation Trading Co., Ltd. (Air Navigation). It McDonald Aviation, (McDonald), taxi service. Both wreckage now hangar Farnsborough, England. 5 Department Trade investigated shortly after occurred. A preliminary report found developing spin, suggested mechanical failure propeller responsible. Hartzell's request, reviewed three-member Review Board, 9-day adversary hearing attended interested parties. Board equipment indicated error contributed pilot, license three months earlier, flying over high altitude considerably lower minimum height required company's operations manual. 6 1977, probate appointed respondent Reyno administratrix passengers. related does know survivors; she legal secretary attorney lawsuit. Several days her appointment, commenced separate wrongfuldeath Superior California, claiming liability.1 Navigation, McDonald, estate survivors whose represented Kingdom estate.2 candidly admits recognize tort. Moreover, permits decedent's relatives. relatives sue "loss support society."3 7 suit Central California. 1404(a).4 lack personal jurisdiction, alternative, transfer.5 December quashed service case served process Hartzell. B 8 May 1978, transferred, these motions October 1979. relied balancing 1055 (1947), companion case, Koster Lumbermens Mut. Cas. 518, 828, 1067 (1947). decisions, stated rarely disturbed. jurisdiction hear "establish . oppressiveness vexation convenience," "chosen [is] inappropriate considerations own administrative problems," may, exercise case. Koster, 524, S.Ct., 831-832. To guide provided list litigants, 508-509, 843.6 9 describing our decisions analyzed facts cases. began observing Scotland; agreed submit waive limitations defense available. entitled little weight. noted, "is seeking liberal rules concerning law," "the solicitous citizen resident, particularly seek benefit tort protection States." F.Supp., 731. 10 examined determined strongly pointed towards Although design, manufacture, testing States, connections "overwhelming." Id., 732. decedents. Witnesses testify maintenance training accident—all essential defense—are Britain. witnesses Trial aided familiarity topography, easy access wreckage. reasoned crucial beyond reach compulsory process, defendants able defendants, "unfair make proceed forum." 733. Navigation. "[I]t fairer costly entire presented one jury available testimony witnesses." Ibid. file indemnity contribution believed significant risk verdicts.7 12 dismissal. apply tried Pennsylvania.8 result, "trial hopelessly confusing jury." 734. addition, noted unfamiliar thus rely upon experts country. enormously time-consuming; unfair duty connection controversy; outcome 13 opposing dismiss, contended favorable. explicitly rejected claim. lead deserve weight; deficiency "matter dealt 738. C 14 appeal, remanded trial. decision reverse appears two grounds. First, analysis. Second, never 15 deserved weight, though nonresidents. interests. failed adequately claim key unavailable States: specified call provide. gave fact reasoning difficulty "burdensome" "unfair," 639 F.2d, 162.9 Finally, resolution significantly viewing 16 factors. undue emphasis application law: " 'the mere called present problem sort before court.' 163 (quoting Hoffman Goberman, 420 427 (CA3 1970)). need applied. choice-of-law analysis, govern Hartzell.10 same apparently led Ohio, jurisdictions greatest policy dispute, favored States.11 17 balanced stated: 18 apparent work so eliminated But like statutory transfer, 'should despite result law.' Only applicable, would, matter give here, justified." 163-164 (footnote omitted) DeMateos Texaco, Inc., 562 895, 899 1977), cert. denied, 435 904, 98 1449, 55 494 (1978)). 19 words, 20 We certiorari consider questions raise proper 450 909, 101 1346, 333 (1981).12 II 21 erred 22 expressly adopted 837 (1932). That arose collision vessels waters. Canadian owners cargo lost chose part rules. dismissed argued them. This nonetheless affirmed: 23 "We occasion enquire what rights governed, view question, lay within decline controversy. '[T]he take cognizance justice well done remitting forum.' 419-420, 414, quoting Charter Shipping Bowring, Jones & Tidy, 281 515, 517, 50 400, 74 1008 (1930). 24 further "[t]here contention discretion." U.S., 423, 415-16. 25 true fully crystallized until case.13 way affects validity Malting. Indeed, central focus inquiry implicitly solely law.14 choice.15 inconvenient. 26 Appeals' earlier another respect. Those repeatedly emphasized retain flexibility. refused identify circumstances "which require grant denial remedy." 508, 843. Similarly, involve internal affairs corporation, always appropriate. "That one, factor show convenience." 527, 833. And Williams Green Bay Western R. 326 549, 557, 66 284, 288, 90 311 (1946), down rigid rule "[e]ach turns facts." placed factor, lose flexibility makes valuable. 27 fact, Jurisdiction requirements often easily satisfied. many choose among forums. Ordinarily, select most advantageous. Thus, inquiry, proper. Except below, every considered chance recovery. See, e. g., Pain Technologies Corp., 205 U.S.App.D.C. 229, 248-249, 637 775, 794-795 (1980); Fitzgerald 521 448, 453 (CA2 1975), 423 1052, 96 781, 46 641 (1976); Anastasiadis S.S. Little John, 346 281, 283 (CA5 1965), 384 920, 86 1368, 440 (1966).16 hold Fitz- gerald supra; Anglo-American Grain S/T Mina D'Amico, 169 908 (ED Va.1959). 29 poses problems. deciding quite difficult. Choice-of-law extremely important, frequently interpret jurisdictions. compare rights, remedies, procedures each Dismissal designed help avoid exercises point "untangle laws, itself." 509, 30 Upholding named manufacturer defendant,17 already attractive plaintiffs,18 attractive. increase congest crowded courts.19 31 945 (1964), ruled dictum interpreting Dusen, below principle 164, n. 51 (citing 899). different 32 Congress courts. see Revisor's Note, H.R.Rep. No. 308, 80th Cong., 1st Sess., A132 (1947); 2646, 79th 2d A127 Norwood Kirkpatrick, 349 29, 75 544, 99 789 (1955). 31-32, 546. 33 employed Barrack simply inapplicable discuss common-law doctrine. Rather, focused construction application" 613, 807-08.20 Emphasizing remedial statute, accompanied 622, 812. "federal housekeeping measure," allowing unified system. 807-08. feared forum-shopping advantage relaxed standards transfer. necessary ensure just efficient operation statute.21 34 do consideration Of course, remedy clearly inadequate unsatisfactory all, district justice.22 cases, remedies fall category. theory, award smaller, danger deprived treated unfairly. III 35 rejecting criticized deference due Furthermore, believe 36 acknowledged overcome held, applies 37 distinction resident justified. greater 831-832.23 chosen, convenient. convenient, deference.24 38 court. discretion; reasonable, 511-512, 844-845; 531, 835. standard examining interests, seems sight rule, substituted judgment 39 (1) 40 characterization somewhat exaggerated. Particularly respect relative ease sources proof, directions. emphasizes, records States. She proof theories here.25 41 describe specificity obtain must affidavits identifying provide detail necessary.26 precisely difficult interview. Requiring extensive motion. enough information enable balance parties' Our examination record convinces us here. submitted face States.27 42 supported Joinder presentation defense. can caused design defect, company, relieved liability. true, liable institute far resolve claims argument. Forcing contributions "unfair." 162. Finding burdensome, conveniens.28 43 (2) 44 involving sets jury. Consideration ; dismissal.29 incorrect, Piper. problem. conclusion correct, 45 airspace. All Scottish. Apart Hartzell, "a local having localized controversies home." argues products, gained insignificant. inevitably IV bars 47 Reversed. 48 POWELL 49 O'CONNOR WHITE, concurring dissenting part. I join Parts opinion. BRENNAN STEVENS, deal issues addressed Part III. extent, am dissent. whom joins, dissenting. 53 Court: 54 "Whether, litigated them nation." Pet. Cert. p. i. 80-883, limited certiorari, 33, question: 56 "Must denied whenever alternate recovery court?" 57 agree answered negative. Having remand convenient litigate defectively Avco-Lycoming, engines, defendant. subsequently stipulation. Piper, Affidavit Donald Ian Kerr MacLeod, App. A19 (affidavit law). Suits governed Damages (Scotland) Act 1976. Section provides: "For witnesses, justice, civil division brought." assert consistent process. corporation amenable pertaining litigants included "relative proof; availability attendance unwilling, cost obtaining willing, witnesses; premises, action; easy, expeditious inexpensive." bearing difficulties flowing congestion; "local home"; diversity avoidance unnecessary law; unfairness burdening unrelated duty. explained verdicts prove applied, juries find produce results. Klaxon Stentor Electric Mfg. 313 487, 61 1020, 85 1477 (1941), State sits. transferred. (1946). "governmental interests" resolving "significant contacts" used claimed slight adhere principles res judicata. supra. agree, "false conflicts" test. Applying test, dispute unclear. states: dispute. follows Supreme country Scotland." 171. 10, necessarily implied toward 80-848 "[w]hether, 80-883 [should] court." opinion, begin considering II, infra. Since erred, III, order dispose sufficiently broad discussion bounds granted, inappropriate. An limiting operate jurisdictional bar. outside scope disposition Olmstead 277 438, 564, 72 944 (1928); McCandless Furlaud, 293 67, 42, 79 202 (1934); Redrup York, 386 767, 87 1414, 515 (1967). long history. originated Braucher, Inconvenient Forum, 60 Harv.L.Rev. 908, 909-911 became id., 911-912; Blair, Doctrine Forum Non Conveniens Law, Colum.L.Rev. (1929). admiralty actions. Ltd.; Bickel, Applied Courts Matters Admiralty, Cornell L.Q. (1949). first made firmly established year later. previous left unresolved Erie Tompkins, 304 64, 58 817, 82 1188 (1938), 843; 529, 834; 551, 558-559, 288-289. decide issue reached conclusion: identical 158. here also, question. 555, 4, 287, approval warranted chooses particular harass situation Cf. Dahl 632 1027, 1032 1980) (dismissal affirmed "Norwegian predominate presence count pleaded Connecticut success warrant conclusion"). 1977) (dictum) (principle ), (1978). reaching decision. infra, American. abroad business holding, none American, absolutely nexus States—Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, Wyoming CCH Prod. Liability Rep. 4016 (1981). Rules roughly equivalent effective France, Belgium, Luxembourg. West Germany Japan pharmaceuticals. remains primarily innovation. choose, potentially, he decides Each malleable Third, trials almost while G. Gloss, Comparative Law (1979); J. Merryman, Civil Tradition 121 (1969). Kingdom, Keeton, Kingdom: Development Laws Constitutions 309 Fourth, unlike jurisdictions, allow contingent attorney's fees, tax losing opponents' fees. Schlesinger, Law: Cases, Text, Materials 275-277 (3d ed. 1970); Orban, Product Liability: Legal Restatement—Foreign National EEC Directive, Ga.J.Int'l Comp.L. 342, 393 Fifth, discovery 307, 310, 33. considered. suggests taken account recognize, engaged forum-shopping. enter unnecessarily appropriate—regardless motivated desire Kloeckner Reederei und Kohlenhandel A/S Hakedal, 210 754, 757 (CA2) (defendant original him forum), dism'd stipulation, 348 801, 17, 633 (1954). announced rule. cited "strongly inclined protect prejudicial laws." 630, 26, 816, 26. rested unavoidable avoided Greve Gibraltar Enterprises, 410, 414 (NM 1949). Second governing dismissals. Schertenleib Traum, 589 1156 outset exists requirement satisfied "amenable process" jurisdiction. 506-507, 842. rare circumstances, offered unsatisfactory, adequate initial example, Phoenix 78 F.R.D. 445 (Del.1978) (court refuses Ecuador, unclear Ecuadorean tribunal generally codified unjust enrichment asserted). "[i]n conveniences, normally outweigh inconvenience shown." Swift Packers Compania Colombiana del Caribe, 339 684, 697, 861, 869, 94 1206 (1950) ("suit brings suits foreigners"); 421, 415 ("[t]he recognizing unqualified foreigners unbroken line courts"). 731; routinely Founding Church Scientology Verlag, 175 402, 408, 536 429, Paper Operations Consultants Int'l, §§ Hong Kong Amber, 513 667, 672 (CA9 1975); 451 Mobil Tankers Mene Grande 363 611, 614 (CA3), 385 318, 225 (1966); Ionescu E. F. Hutton (France), 465 139 (SDNY 1979); Michell General Motors 439 24, (ND 1977). citizen's dispositive however. 252-253, 796-797 Mizokami Bros. Arizona, Baychem 556 975 434 1035, 770, 783 Citizens plaintiffs, always, conveniences burdensome 253, 797 (citizenship residence proxies convenience); Courts, U.Chi.L.Rev. 373, 382-383 since offers establishing highest possible accountability purported wrongdoing. accorded guarantee 247-250. future, similar presented, condition corporations claims. such requirement. 451, detailed affidavits. Farmanfarmaian 437 910, 924 aff'd., 588 880 1978). handed weeks panel without mentioning 1027 160-161. Marbury-Pattillo Construction Bayside Warehouse 490 155, 158 1974), Texas Sulphur Ritter, 371 145, 148 (CA10 1967), suggest affidavit context. explained, directly comparable. Ronald Scott, A75; Charles McKelvey, 1f. states following witnesses: decedents; employees McDonald; persons responsible licensing pilot; servicing maintaining aircraft; involved manufacture aircraft. U.S.App.D.C., 244, 790 (relying approving arising helicopter Norway). Many favors Calavo Growers 963, 967 1980), 449 1084, 871, 809 (1981); 1165. alone shows 409, 436; Burt Isthmus 218 353, 357 (CA5), 922, 661, 1254

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