Court Opinion

ID: 9369553
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-02-09 08:11:14.081888+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:16:15.745928
License: Public Domain

COURT OF APPEALS
                                      EIGHTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
                                           EL PASO, TEXAS

    IN RE: PUBLICACIONES E. IMPRESOS §                                        No. 08-22-00099-CV
    DEL NORTE, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.,
    PUBLICACIONES PASO DEL NORTE, §                                     AN ORIGINAL PROCEEDING
    S.A. DE C.V., AND PASO DEL NORTE
    PUBLISHING, INC.                 §                                           IN MANDAMUS
                          Relators.
                                     §

                                                           §

                                                 OPINION

        This mandamus proceeding arises from a trial court’s denial of a motion to dismiss for

forum non conveniens. 1 The underlying case involves Javier Corral Jurado’s lawsuit against

Relators, Publicaciones E. Impresos Paso del Norte, S. de R.L. de C.V. (El Diario de Juarez), Paso

del Norte Publishing, Inc. (El Diario de El Paso), and Publicaciones Paso del Norte, S.A. de C.V.

(Diario Digital). Corral sued for defamation, libel, and slander arising from the publication in El

Paso County of several online and print newspaper articles related to his property and accusing

him of criminal acts. El Diario de Juarez and Diario Digital filed a motion to dismiss for forum

1
  This proceeding is related to an interlocutory appeal also filed in this Court, case number 08-22-00044-CV, which
involves the trial court’s denial of special appearances. The cases share the same factual and procedural background,
as well as the same clerk’s record.
non conveniens, which the trial court denied. 2 For the following reasons, we affirm.

                                     Factual and Procedural Background

           Corral served as Governor of the State of Chihuahua, Mexico from 2016 through 2021. His

suit alleged the defendants initiated a campaign to defame, slander, and injure his reputation after

his administration refused an attempted extortion in exchange for publicity by Osvaldo Rodriguez

Borunda, an owner and director of the defendant companies. Corral claims beginning in September

2019, Relators published a series of online and print articles falsely accusing him of allegedly

“invading” the property next to his home, claiming he did not legally purchase the property, and

stating purportedly official documents revealed he did not in fact own the property. In response,

Corral states he appeared on television to explain how he purchased the property legally, disclosing

the sellers’ identity and the purchase contract. However, he contends the Relators disregarded this

information and continued publishing articles accusing him of misdeeds surrounding the

property’s purchase and renovation. Before filing his lawsuit, Corral attempted to resolve the

issues with the Relators through the Texas Defamation Mitigation Act, see Texas Civil Practice

and Remedies Code Chapter 73, but the Relators refused to correct, clarify, or retract their

publications and instead continued to publish articles about the property.

           Corral contends he filed suit in Texas state court because: (1) he has no other available or

adequate forum; (2) the purportedly defamatory articles were published in El Paso County; and

(3) the court can exercise personal jurisdiction over all Relators. He further contends these

publications subjected him to “public hatred, low approval ratings, contempt, ridicule, pecuniary

injury, and actual damages,” and damaged his reputation in the regional community of El Paso, in

2
    El Diario de El Paso did not join the motion to dismiss for forum non conveniens.

                                                           2
which El Diario de El Paso and El Diario de Juarez have a circulation of over 20,000.

         Among other things, El Diario de Juarez and Diario Digital filed a motion to dismiss for

forum non conveniens. They contend Corral should have filed this suit in Mexico and is “forum

shopping” by bringing the case in El Paso. Beyond the jurisdictional arguments more fully

developed in their special appearances, El Diario de Juarez and Diario Digital argue Mexico is an

available and adequate alternative forum and relevant private- and public-interest factors favor

dismissal of the Texas state court case. Corral responded, and the trial court held a hearing on the

motion, which it later denied. It issued seventy-one findings of fact and eleven conclusions of law

consistent with its ruling, 3 finding in part:

         •    El Diario de Juarez and Diario Digital did not demonstrate Mexico (and more
              specifically, the State of Chihuahua) is an available and adequate forum to hear
              this case.

         •    The State of Chihuahua, Mexico no longer recognizes a per se cause of action
              for defamation, libel, and slander. Though Chihuahua does permit a party to sue
              for daño moral (i.e., moral damages), the statute does not expressly reference
              defamation, libel, or slander, and it has a two-year statute-of-limitations, which
              would bar Corral’s claims in this case.

         •    Even if the State of Chihuahua were an available and adequate alternative
              forum, the relevant private- and public-interests weigh against dismissal of this
              case.

         Relators filed a petition for writ of mandamus, and Corral, the real party in interest, filed a

brief in response. 4

3
  Relators do not lodge factual- or legal-sufficiency challenges to the trial court’s findings of fact in this proceeding.
The trial court also incorporated all findings of fact entered in connection with the court’s denial of El Diario de Juarez
and Diario Digital’s special appearances. Those findings—and El Diario de Juarez and Diario Digital’s factual- and
legal-sufficiency challenges to them—are discussed in that interlocutory appeal, case number 08-22-00044-CV.
4
  El Diario de Juarez and Diario Digital filed special appearances, which the trial court denied and are more fully
detailed in the related interlocutory appeal before this Court, case number 08-22-00044-CV.

                                                            3
                                               Standard of Review

         A trial court’s denial of a motion to dismiss for forum non conveniens is reviewable by

mandamus. In re Mahindra, USA Inc., 549 S.W.3d 541, 545 (Tex. 2018). We will not disturb the

trial court’s judgment unless its decision constitutes a clear abuse of discretion. Id. A trial court

abuses its discretion when it acts without reference to any guiding rules or principles and when

there is no evidence to support its ruling. Quixtar Inc. v. Signature Mgmt. Team, LLC, 315 S.W.3d

28, 31 (Tex. 2010) (per curiam). However, a trial court has no discretion in determining what the

law is or applying the law to the facts. In re Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., 148 S.W.3d 124, 135 (Tex.

2004) (citing Walker v. Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833, 840 (Tex. 1992)).

         At the appellate level, our duty is to review the trial court’s decision-making process and

its conclusion to determine whether it is reasonable; however, we are not to perform a de novo

analysis or mechanically reweigh each of the forum non conveniens factors. Vinmar Trade Fin.,

Ltd. v. Util. Trailers de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., 336 S.W.3d 664, 673 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st

Dist.] 2010, no pet.) (citing Quixtar, 315 S.W.3d at 35). Simply because a trial judge may decide

a matter within her discretion differently than we would does not constitute an abuse of discretion.

Quixtar, 315 S.W.3d at 31.

                                                 Applicable Law

         The doctrine of forum non conveniens applies when there are sufficient contacts between

the defendant and forum state to confer personal jurisdiction, but “the case itself has no significant

Relators also filed a motion to determine choice of law, contending Mexican law applies to this case. Corral argued
Texas law instead applies, and the trial court agreed. Though that decision is not before us, we consider choice-of-law
in this case as a public-interest factor concerned with avoidance of unnecessary problems in conflict of laws or
application of foreign law.

                                                          4
connection to the forum.” 5 In re Pirelli Tire, L.L.C., 247 S.W.3d 670, 675–76 (Tex. 2007). “The

central focus of the forum non conveniens inquiry is convenience.” Quixtar, 315 S.W.3d at 33

(quoting Piper Aircraft Co. v. Reyno, 454 U.S. 235, 249 (1981)).

         The Supreme Court has set forth the framework for analyzing forum non conveniens in an

international context. See Reyno, 454 U.S. at 249; see also Vinmar, 336 S.W.3d at 672 (adopting

the Reyno framework). First, the court determines whether an alternative forum exists. Reyno, 454

U.S. at 254-55 n.22 (1981). The court considers whether the defendant is amenable to process in

the other jurisdiction as well as the availability of an adequate remedy. Id. Whether an alternative

forum is adequate depends on “if the parties will not be deprived of all remedies or treated unfairly,

even though they may not enjoy the same benefits as they might receive in an American court.” In

re Pirelli Tire, 247 S.W.3d at 678 (citation omitted). Second, if the court determines an alternative

forum does exist, the court then considers certain private- and public-interest factors to determine

which forum is best suited to the litigation. Vinmar, 336 S.W.3d at 672. 6 If the trial court has

considered all the relevant private- and public-interest factors, and if its balancing of those factors

is reasonable, “its decision deserves substantial deference.” Reyno, 454 U.S. at 257. No “rigid rule”

governs a trial court’s discretion in forum non conveniens cases because each case turns on its

facts. Id. at 249. Courts require neither an “extensive investigation” to produce evidence for a

forum non conveniens dismissal hearing nor a “detailed quantification of costs.” Quixtar, 315

5
  Because this case does not involve personal injury claims, we apply common law, not statutory, forum non
conveniens analysis. See Daniels v. State, 538 S.W.3d 139, 147 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2017, pet. denied) (determining
actions for dismissal under Texas statutory forum non conveniens are confined to claims of wrongful death or bodily
injury, not other torts).
6
  If, however, the court determines there is no available and adequate alternative forum, it does not reach the second
step. See Diaz v. Todd, 618 S.W.3d 798, 805 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2020, no pet.) (“There is of course nothing to
balance if there is no alternative forum that is both adequate and available.”).

                                                          5
S.W.3d at 34 (internal citations and quotations omitted).

         A defendant seeking dismissal by forum non conveniens ordinarily “bears a heavy burden

in opposing the plaintiff’s chosen forum,” though the doctrine “generally affords substantially less

deference to a nonresident’s forum choice.” Id. at 31. 7 However, even a resident plaintiff’s choice

of forum is not dispositive, and “if the balance of conveniences suggests that trial in the chosen

forum would be unnecessarily burdensome for the defendant or the court, dismissal is proper.”

Reyno, 454 U.S. at 255–56 n.23.

                                                       Analysis

         Relators raise five issues which can be generally restated as a contention the trial court

abused its discretion by denying the motion to dismiss for forum non conveniens and determining

Texas is the proper forum based on a balancing of the relevant private- and public-interest factors. 8

         With the applicable standard of review in mind, we consider the record to determine

whether the trial court acted within its discretion when it determined the State of Chihuahua,

Mexico does not provide an available and adequate alternative forum for Corral’s claims, and the

balance of the private- and public-interest factors weigh in favor of keeping the case in Texas state

court.

         A. Availability and Adequacy of an Alternative Forum

         Whether a Mexican court provides an available and adequate alternative forum for Corral’s

claims is a threshold question we must decide before considering the private- and public-interest

7
  Corral is not a Texas resident; therefore, the Relators’ burden of proof is less stringent than it would be if he were.
See Quixtar, 315 S.W.3d at 33.
8
  Specifically, Issues One, Two, and Three address whether the trial court abused its discretion in determining Texas
is the proper forum. Issue Four attacks the trial court’s determination of choice of law in this case, which we consider
as a public-interest factor concerned with avoidance of unnecessary problems in conflict of laws or application of
foreign law. Issue Five simply raises the mandamus standard of review and a Relator’s burden.

                                                           6
factors. Alvarez Gottwald v. Dominguez de Cano, 568 S.W.3d 241, 249 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2019,

no pet.). The trial court’s relevant findings of fact are:

                ....

        •   #38 “El Diario de Juarez and Diario Digital have not demonstrated that the
            courts in the State of Chihuahua, Mexico are an available and adequate forum
            to hear this case. The State of Chihuahua, Mexico no longer recognizes a per se
            cause of action for defamation, libel, and slander.”

        •   #39 “The State of Chihuahua allows an aggrieved party to sue for daño moral
            (i.e., moral damages) pursuant to Article 1801 of the Chihuahua Civil Code.
            The statute does not expressly reference defamation, libel, or slander. Assuming
            that this is a similar cause of action for defamation, libel, or slander in Mexico,
            the State of Chihuahua has a two-year statute of limitations for claims of daño
            moral pursuant to Article 1819 of the Chihuahua Civil Code.”

        •   #40“El Diario de Juarez, El Diario de El Paso, and Diario Digital published the
            alleged defamatory articles and headlines in 2019—more than two years ago.
            Because the alleged defamatory publications are older than two years, Corral
            would be barred by the applicable statute of limitations to file suit in the State
            of Chihuahua under Mexican law.”

        •   #41 “Pursuant to Article 55 of the Chihuahua Civil Procedure Code, any actions
            taken by a presiding judge who lacks competent jurisdiction are null and void.
            Thus, if a Mexican court lacks the ability to preside over a case, all actions taken
            by the court are null and void. Thus, the courts in Chihuahua are not an adequate
            or available forum to hear this case.”

                ....

The trial court also entered a conclusion of law stating, “the State of Chihuahua, Mexico is not an

available or adequate forum.”

        Relators contend Mexican courts provide an available and adequate alternative forum

because Corral will not be deprived of all remedies or treated unfairly by a Mexican court. Further,

Relators point to testimony at the hearing on the motion to dismiss from Manuel Aguirre Ochoa,

the editorial director at El Diario de Juarez, that a Mexican newspaper can be sued for defamation.

They also contend an article concerning human rights practices in Mexico, included as an exhibit

                                                   7
to Corral’s response to the motion to dismiss, supports their assertion that Mexican law “provides

for defamation moral damages with no cap.” Finally, all defendants in the underlying case executed

the following waivers and consents, which Relators contend nullify Corral’s concerns about

jurisdiction, limitations, and the discovery that has already taken place in Texas state court:

       (1)     Paso Del Norte Publishing, Inc. [i.e., El Diario de El Paso] consents to being
               sued in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico by Plaintiff for the claims and
               causes of action raised in this lawsuit and does not and will not object to the
               jurisdiction of the Mexican courts over those claims.

       (2)     All Defendants waive any limitations defense that may be available to them.

       (3)     All Defendants agree and consent that all discovery and testimony taken in
               this case can be used in the Mexican courts.

       (4)     Paso Del Norte Publishing, Inc. [i.e., El Diario de El Paso] agrees and
               consents that it will make all of its officers, directors, editors, and journalists
               available to testify in the Mexican cause of action subject to their ability to
               travel to Mexico.

       Corral responds Mexico is not an available and adequate alternative forum because the

State of Chihuahua no longer recognizes causes of action for defamation, libel, and slander, citing

to an article about the decriminalization of the penal claims at the federal level. He argues that

even assuming daño moral is a similar cause of action to defamation, its two-year statute of

limitations would bar his suit, given that the allegedly defamatory articles were published over two

years ago.

       Because El Diario de El Paso filed a consent to be sued in Mexico, and because the

remaining parties are Mexican citizens, we conclude all parties are available in Mexico. See

Yoroshii Invs. (Mauritius) Pte. Ltd. v. BP Intern. Ltd., 179 S.W.3d 639, 643 (Tex. App.—El Paso

2005, pet. denied) (“A defendant may also consent to jurisdiction and thus make a forum

available.”). However, we still must determine whether Mexico provides an adequate alternative

                                                   8
forum for Corral’s claims.

       Both Texas and federal courts have consistently found Mexico to be an adequate alternate

forum. Diaz, 618 S.W.3d at 806 (collecting cases). Indeed, Mexican substantive law is presumed

to be adequate “unless the plaintiff makes some showing to the contrary, or unless conditions in

the foreign forum made known to the court, plainly demonstrate that the plaintiff is highly unlikely

to obtain basic justice there.” Vinmar, 336 S.W.3d at 674 (quoting DTEX, LLC v. BBVA Bancomer,

S.A., 508 F.3d 785, 796 (5th Cir. 2007)). In other words, courts presume an adequate alternative

forum exists, and once the defendant seeking dismissal establishes its availability, the plaintiff

bears the burden of proving the second forum is inadequate. Yoroshii, 179 S.W.3d at 643.

However, “adequacy or inadequacy of a forum is typically established by expert affidavits, not by

Internet websites or other evidence of questionable credibility.” Vinmar, 336 S.W.3d at 675; see

In re Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC, 459 S.W.3d 565, 577 (Tex. 2015) (defendant

presented Mexican-law expert to testify that Mexican courts would have jurisdiction over all

defendants in its motion to dismiss for forum non conveniens); In re Pirelli Tire, 247 S.W.3d at

677 (plaintiff presented expert testimony regarding Mexican substantive law in response to

defendants’ motion to dismiss for forum non conveniens); In re Dauajare-Johnson, No.

14-14-00256-CV, 2014 WL 3401094, at *4–5 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] July 10, 2014,

orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) (both parties submitted testimony from Mexican-law experts in

motion to dismiss for forum non conveniens).

       Here, neither side proffered expert testimony as to the adequacy of Mexican courts or

Mexican substantive law. At the trial court level, Corral made the same legal arguments and cited

to the same article about the decriminalization of defamation, libel, and slander claims as he does

                                                 9
in his brief before us. That article is inapposite, however, because it relates to the criminal charges,

rather than civil claims, of defamation, libel, and slander. 9

        Corral also included, as an exhibit to his response to the motion to dismiss, excerpts from

the Chihuahua Civil Code concerning claims of daño moral. Specifically, the translated excerpt of

Article 1801 states:

        By non-pecuniary or moral damage, it is understood to be the harm that a person
        suffered to his/her emotions, feelings, beliefs, dignity, honor, reputation, private
        life, physical aspect, and appearance, as well as the image that a person has before
        the rest of the world. When an illicit act or omission generates the non-pecuniary
        or moral damage, the responsible party shall be obligated to rectify it by a monetary
        compensation regardless if material damages were caused by it, both in contractual
        and non-contractual liability. . . . The amount of the compensation will be
        determined by the Judge taking into consideration the assaulted rights, the degree
        of liability, the economic condition of the liable party, and that of the victim, as
        well as the rest of the circumstances of the case. When the non-pecuniary or moral
        damages have affected the victim’s dignity, honor, reputation, or his/her image
        before the rest of the world, the Judge shall order at the victim’s request and paid
        by the responsible party, the publishing in the mass media that the victim considers
        convenient of a summary of the judgment that would appropriately reflect the
        nature and scope of the judgment. If the damage arises from an act that had been
        covered by the media, the Judge shall order that these media publish the summary
        of the judgment with the same relevance as the original coverage.

The translated excerpt of Article 1819 states that the statute of limitations for claims of daño moral

is “two years from the day in which the damage occurred.”

        Presuming Corral’s portrayal of the Mexican law is correct, the differences in substantive

law between a defamation claim in Texas and claim for daño moral do not render Mexico an

inadequate forum. See In re Pirelli Tire, 247 S.W.3d at 678 (finding Mexico an adequate

alternative forum when plaintiffs acknowledged Mexican law provided a similar cause of action

9
   Mexico: Decriminalization of Defamation, Libel, and Slander, Library of Congress (Dec. 20, 2011),
https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2011-12-20/mexico-decriminalization-of-defamation-libel-and-
slander/.

                                                   10
to the one asserted in Texas state court). However, an alternative forum is adequate only if “the

parties will not be deprived of all remedies or treated unfairly, even though they may not enjoy the

same benefits as they might receive in an American court.” Id. (quoting Vasquez v.

Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., 325 F.3d 665, 671 (5th Cir. 2003)). Corral contends his claims

accrued over two years ago when the allegedly defamatory articles were published. Therefore,

whether Mexico is an adequate alternative forum hinges on whether the two-year statute of

limitations for a daño moral claim has lapsed notwithstanding the defendants’ waiver.

       As to the defendants’ waivers, the trial court found “El Diario de Juarez, El Diario de El

Paso, and Diario Digital did not specify whether their alleged waivers were for limitation defenses

available under Chihuahua law or that could be asserted in Chihuahua courts, calling into question

whether these are valid and effective waivers.” It also found “El Diario de Juarez, El Diario de El

Paso, and Diario Digital did not offer any evidence or legal authority regarding whether this alleged

waiver or consent is enforceable under Chihuahua laws, whether Chihuahua courts are bound by

this alleged waiver or consent, [] whether a Chihuahua court may sua sponte dismiss the case for

limitations or lack of jurisdiction[,]” or “whether any discovery and testimony taken in this case

would be admissible in a Chihuahua court.”

       However, we presume Mexican substantive law is adequate “unless the plaintiff makes

some showing to the contrary[.]” Vinmar, 336 S.W.3d at 674. Given the evidence in the record

regarding claims for daño moral in a Chihuahuan court and the waivers executed as to limitations

by all defendants in the underlying case, we do not conclude Corral has made such a showing to

overcome this presumption. The contingency that a Mexican court might not accept the

defendants’ waiver does not overcome the “basic principles of comity” in recognizing Mexico as

                                                 11
an adequate forum. In re Pirelli Tire, 247 S.W.3d at 678 (quoting Gonzalez v. Chrysler Corp., 301

F.3d 377, 381–82 (5th Cir. 2002)).

       Whether Mexico is an adequate forum is a legal question. Because the trial court held

Mexico was not an adequate forum, it failed to analyze the law correctly and abused its discretion.

Therefore, we conclude Relators have shown Mexico is an adequate alternative forum. See In re

Dauajare-Johnson, 2014 WL 3401094, at *5.

       B. Private-Interest Factors

       Because Mexico is an available and adequate alternative forum, we next consider whether

the trial court abused its discretion in determining the private- and public-interest factors weigh

against dismissal.

       Relators contend the trial court abused its discretion in determining the private-interest

factors weigh against dismissal. The applicable private-interest factors are: (1) the ease of access

to evidence; (2) the availability of compulsory process for the attendance of unwilling, and the

cost of obtaining attendance of willing, witnesses; (3) the possibility of viewing the premises, if

applicable; (4) the enforceability of a judgment once obtained; and (5) any other practical factors

that make trial expeditious and inexpensive. Vinmar, 336 S.W.3d at 676 (citing Gulf Oil Corp. v.

Gilbert, 330 U.S. 501, 508 (1947)).

       The record contains sufficient evidence for the trial court to determine the private-interest

factors weighed against dismissal. Though Relators contend many of the relevant documents are

in Spanish and the translation of these documents into English presents “formidable hurdles,” the

trial court found and record evidence supports the fact that much of the documentary evidence in

this case requiring translation has already been produced in the underlying case and translated into

                                                12
English.

         Relators also argue the number of Mexican witnesses in this case “is daunting” and contend

most of the Mexican witnesses cannot be compelled to attend trial in Texas. Specifically, they

maintain at least seven of the journalists who authored the allegedly defamatory articles cannot be

compelled to testify in the United States, nor can essential fact witnesses who can testify to the

merits of Corral’s defamation claims. Record evidence supports Relators’ claim that certain

witnesses are indeed located in Mexico and would not be subject to compulsory process in the

United States. Evidence in the record also demonstrates, however, that some of the non-party

witnesses Relators classify as essential witnesses located in Mexico are deceased and thus

irrelevant to the analysis. Corral filed sworn declarations of Mexican-resident fact witnesses who

have agreed to testify in the Texas proceeding and claims other relevant fact witnesses will do so. 10

Because this case spans the United States-Mexico border, there will be international witnesses

whether Corral’s claims are brought in Texas or Mexico. Nevertheless, the trial court found for

any witnesses not subject to compulsory process in Texas “the parties can take their oral or written

deposition pursuant to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and applicable international treaties,”

recognizing that “Mexico is a signatory to several international treaties on judicial assistance,

service of judicial documents, taking of evidence, and/or the performance of other procedural acts

abroad[.]”Though Relators contend procedure under the Hague Convention is “lengthy, time

10
   Though Corral tendered sworn declarations into the trial court record, it was not necessary for El Diario de Juarez
and Diario Digital to do so. See Reyno, 454 U.S. at 258 (explaining it is not necessary for defendants to “submit
affidavits identifying the witnesses they would call and the testimony these witnesses would provide if the trial were
held in the alternative forum”).

                                                         13
consuming, [and] expensive,” 11 in sum, we cannot say the trial court abused its discretion in

finding that the private-interest factor regarding the availability of compulsory process favored

denying dismissal because the trial court did not act without reference to any guiding rules or

principles.

         Further, Relators argue the parties’ ability to view the premises supports dismissal. This

factor may be relevant to Corral’s claims because the allegedly defamatory articles concern

Corral’s property in Mexico, and Relators argue viewing any of the properties would not be

possible if the case remains in Texas. The trial court found, however, that they “do not explain or

justify under which circumstances a site inspection would be necessary” in the context of Corral’s

claims and noted “[t]he parties have photos of the properties and the ability to view the properties

online[.]” Though it is undisputed that Corral’s properties are located in Mexico, Relators

presented no evidence on this factor.

         Relators also maintain Corral’s ability to enforce a judgment once obtained favors

dismissal because he would have to do so in Mexico as to two of the three defendants, who are

Mexican corporations with all of their assets in Mexico. Corral responds, and the trial court found,

if he were to obtain a judgment in Mexico against El Diario de El Paso, he would have the same

11
   Again, neither party solicited expert testimony regarding Mexican law. At oral argument, Relators contended our
opinion in Diaz v. Todd, No. 08-21-00202-CV, 2022 WL 17834927 (Tex. App.—El Paso Dec. 21, 2022, no pet. h.)
supports their argument that a Texas court could not compel testimony from unwilling Mexican witnesses, while a
Mexican court could compel testimony from unwilling Texas-resident witnesses. However, in Diaz, we concluded the
record contained testimony from the defendant’s Mexican-law expert witness to support the trial court’s conclusion
that because most of the witnesses are in Mexico, their attendance could not be compelled at trial in El Paso, such that
maintaining the case in Texas would result in additional expenses for all parties. Id. at *6–7. Here, we have no similar
finding of fact at the trial court level nor expert testimony to substantiate it.
Further, Diaz, as well as its predecessor case, involved our review of the trial court’s dismissal for forum non
conveniens. See id. at *1; Diaz v. Todd, 618 S.W.3d 798, 802 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2020, no pet.). Though the standard
of review in both Diaz cases and this case is the same—clear abuse of discretion—here, we review the trial court’s
denial of Relators’ motion to dismiss for forum non conveniens.

                                                          14
domestication issues in Texas as he would in Mexico if the case remains in El Paso. Though

domesticating a foreign judgment against two entities rather than one would appear to weigh in

favor of dismissal, there is no “rigid rule” requiring the trial court to conclude each factor weighs

against dismissal. Brenham Oil & Gas, Inc. v. TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Co., 472 S.W.3d 744,

769 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2015, no pet.) (quoting Reyno, 454 U.S. at 249–50); see

Quixtar, 315 S.W.3d at 33 (holding it is error for court to require every factor favor dismissal).

       Finally, Relators contend choice-of-law issues (addressed as a public-interest factor

below), as well as the ongoing need for translators and anticipated disputes about the accuracy of

translations are practical factors that would make trial in Mexico expeditious and inexpensive as

compared to trial in Texas. However, the trial court found “[i]t would not be burdensome or

unusual for the Court to consider the need of Spanish translators for any testifying witnesses,”

noting the “Court is properly equipped with certified Spanish translators, especially in light of its

close proximity to Mexico and the large population of Spanish speakers in El Paso County.” The

record supports that finding. Indeed, interpreters were present at the hearing on the motion to

dismiss, as well as the special appearance hearing. Further, Relators have not pointed to any

disputes between the parties regarding the accuracy of translations, so their argument that this is a

practical factor supporting dismissal is based on mere speculation—especially considering the

underlying case proceeded at the trial court level for nearly two years and involved substantial

document production, including documents that required translation. The trial court did not abuse

its discretion in determining this factor weighed against dismissal.

       C. Public-Interest Factors

       Relators also contend the trial court abused its discretion in determining the public-interest

                                                 15
factors weigh against dismissal. The applicable public-interest factors are the: (1) administrative

difficulties flowing from court congestion; (2) local interest in having localized controversies

decided at home; (3) interest in having the trial of a diversity case in a forum that is consistent with

the law governing the action; (4) avoidance of unnecessary problems in conflict of laws or

application of foreign law; and (5) unfairness of burdening citizens in an unrelated forum with jury

duty. Vinmar, 336 S.W.3d at 676 (citing Gulf Oil, 330 U.S. at 508–09).

       The record contains sufficient evidence for the trial court to determine the public-interest

factors weighed against dismissal. As to the El Paso County Court’s congestion, Relators contend

the “County Court at Law Number 3’s docket is full,” pointing to the trial court judge’s statement

at the motion hearing that he had 900 pending cases. However, as the parties recognize in their

briefs, a new judge has since been assigned to preside over the underlying suit. Further, there is no

evidence in the record comparing the congestion between El Paso County Court at Law Number

Three and a Mexican court. Because the record does not include a comparison between the two

systems, this factor weighs against dismissal. See Diaz, 2022 WL 17834927, at *8 (citing Tellez v.

Madrigal, 223 F. Supp. 3d 626, 642 (W.D. Tex. 2016)) (concluding the same when the record did

not include a comparison between the congestion in the two court systems).

       Relators argue there is a local interest in having this controversy decided in Mexico because

“[t]he actions all took place in Mexico where the parties rightfully expected that their actions

would be governed by Mexican law.” However, that ignores Corral’s allegations in the underlying

case—that the allegedly defamatory articles were circulated and caused injury in El Paso County.

Indeed, the trial court found “[t]here is local interest in having this localized controversy decided

in this forum” because “[t]he alleged defamatory articles and headlines about Corral were

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circulated, distributed, and sold in El Paso County[,] and Corral has allegedly suffered harm in this

forum.” Given the record evidence supporting that finding, we cannot say the trial court abused its

discretion in its determination on this factor.

         The trial court similarly concluded the third and fourth public-interest factors—involving

the interest in having the trial of a diversity case in a forum consistent with the law governing the

action and avoidance of unnecessary problems in conflict of laws or application of foreign law—

weighed against dismissal. These findings followed the trial court’s decision that Texas, not

Mexican, law applies to this case. While even the possibility that foreign law applies to a dispute

may be sufficient to warrant dismissal on forum non conveniens grounds, here, the trial court

decided Mexican law does not apply. 12 See Vinmar, 336 S.W.3d at 679 (quoting Warter v. Boston

Secs., S.A., 380 F. Supp. 2d 1299, 1315 (S.D. Fla. 2004)). Accordingly, the trial court concluded

maintaining the case in Texas will not present any choice-of-law issues, and we give its decision

“appropriate deference.” Quixtar, 315 S.W.3d at 35. Further, the trial court’s conclusion as to the

fifth public-interest factor—that “[t]he citizens of El Paso County would not be unduly burdened

12
   A choice-of-law analysis is a legal question, though we defer to the trial court’s findings of facts. Liberty Mut. Ins.
Co. v. Transit Mix Concrete & Materials Co., No. 06-12-00117-CV, 2013 WL 3329026, at *4
(Tex. App.— Texarkana June 28, 2013, pet. denied) (mem. op.) (citing Sonat Exploration Co. v. Cudd Pressure
Control, Inc., 271 S.W.3d 228, 231 (Tex. 2008)) (conducting choice-of-law analysis in statutory forum non conveniens
case). Though the trial court concluded Texas law applies, it did not provide any detailed choice-of-law analysis, nor
did it identify a conflict of law, in the record before us. In a separate order, the trial court summarily denied the
defendants’ motion to determine choice-of-law and stated, “Texas law should apply in this case.” Generally, a court
must first identify a conflict of law requiring it to decide a choice-of-law issue. Vinson v. Am. Bureau of Shipping, 318
S.W.3d 34, 51 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2010, pet. denied) (citing Ford Motor Co. v. Aguiniga, 9 S.W.3d 252,
260 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1999, pet. denied)). But even if the trial court were to perform a choice-of-law analysis
here, we conclude the requisite “most significant relationship” test favors the application of Texas law given the trial
court’s resolution of disputed fact issues in the underlying case. See id. at 51 n.17 (citing RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF
CONFLICTS OF LAW § 145 (1971)); Gutierrez v. Collins, 583 S.W.2d 312, 318 (Tex. 1979) (describing “most
significant relationship” test as considering (1) the place where the injury occurred; (2) the place where the conduct
causing the injury occurred; (3) the domicile, residence, nationality, place of incorporation and place of business of
the parties; and (4) the place where the relationship, if any, between the parties is centered). Accordingly, the trial
court did not abuse its discretion as to the choice-of-law factor.

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with serving as jurors in this case”—reasonably follows its conclusion that this case presents a

localized issue since “[t]he alleged defamatory articles and headlines about Corral were circulated,

distributed, and sold in El Paso County[,] and Corral has allegedly suffered harm in this forum.”

       In sum, because the trial court considered the relevant private- and public-interest factors

and its balance of those factors is reasonable, we give its decision substantial deference. Id. at 31.

Our role is to determine whether the trial court abused its discretion when weighing private- and

public-interest factors, not whether we may have come to a different conclusion than the trial court

as to any given factor. See Yoroshii, 179 S.W.3d at 642 (“An abuse of discretion does not occur

merely because the reviewing court would act differently than the trial court.”). We therefore

conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion in balancing the private-and public-interest

factors and concluding the balance did not favor dismissal.

                                          CONCLUSION

       Relators have not demonstrated the trial court abused its discretion in weighing the private-

and public-interest factors. In this case, with a Mexican plaintiff suing both American and Mexican

defendants regarding allegedly defamatory articles circulated in the United States concerning

Mexican property, there were competing considerations on convenience for the trial court to

consider in its forum non conveniens analysis. However, there is nothing in the record mandating

a different outcome, and that is the crux of an abuse-of-discretion analysis. See Celanese Corp. v.

Sahagun, No. 05-19-00402-CV, 2020 WL 2079178, at *6 (Tex. App.—Dallas Apr. 30, 2020, no

pet.) (mem. op.) (concluding the same). Accordingly, we conclude the trial court did not abuse its

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discretion in weighing the private- or public-interest factors. 13 For the above reasons, we affirm

the trial court’s order denying the motion to dismiss for forum non conveniens and deny Relators’

petition for writ of mandamus.

                                                     YVONNE T. RODRIGUEZ, Chief Justice

February 8, 2023

Before Rodriguez, C.J., Palafox, and Soto, JJ.

13
  As explained above, however, the trial court did abuse its discretion when it found Mexico is not an available and
adequate alternative forum.

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