Understanding Forum Shopping: A Key Legal Concept
What is forum shopping, and why is it a problem? Hi, my name is Aaron Grubb. I’m the Tahlequah misdemeanor attorney at Wirth Law Office. In this video, we’re going to talk about forum shopping—a legal concept that came up with one of my clients this past week.
The client had one case filed in an Oklahoma district court and another in the Cherokee Nation court. During the proceedings, the judge expressed concern that the client might be engaging in forum shopping.
The Definition of Forum Shopping
So, what is forum shopping?
Forum shopping occurs when a party files the same or related legal matters in multiple jurisdictions—such as different counties, districts, or courts—in an attempt to find the one that’s most favorable to their case. This could be because:
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- They prefer one judge over another,
- The laws or procedures in one jurisdiction may be more advantageous,
- Or they believe they’ll get a better outcome in a particular court.
Why Forum Shopping is Discouraged
However, the legal system generally frowns upon forum shopping. Courts discourage this behavior for a few reasons:
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- It delays the judicial process, as multiple courts may be dealing with overlapping or conflicting issues.
- It creates inefficiency, with resources spread thin across multiple dockets.
- It can be unfair to the opposing party, who may be forced to respond to cases in multiple jurisdictions.
Because of these concerns, courts may dismiss or consolidate cases that appear to involve forum shopping. If you have questions about forum shopping or any other legal concerns—including pending civil or criminal cases—please contact Tahlequah criminal defense attorney Aaron Grubb here at Wirth Law Office. We’re here to help.
Get Expert Legal Advice
Thank you. If you’re facing legal challenges related to forum shopping or any other legal matters, consider scheduling a low-cost initial strategy session with us. Call (918) 458-2677 today to get the help you need!
