Venue Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Venue, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Venue?

(n). Venue is the place where the proceedings are officially conducted. Venue is fixed considering convenience of the place. For conducting trials, venue is arranged within the judicial district. Certain provisions of law limits the area where the venue must be fixed.

History and Meaning of Venue

Venue is a legal term that refers to the place where the proceedings of a case or trial are conducted. The selection of the venue is based on the convenience of the parties and the witnesses involved in the case. The primary purpose of determining the venue of a case is to ensure that the trial takes place in a location that is fair, accessible, and impartial.

The concept of venue can be traced back to the Roman legal system. In ancient Rome, trials were typically held in public spaces, such as the Forum, which was considered to be a neutral location that was accessible to all parties involved. Today, the selection of the venue is determined by the relevant jurisdictional laws, and the local court rules.

Examples of Venue

  1. In a criminal trial, the venue is typically the location where the crime was committed, or where the defendant was arrested. For example, if a person committed a crime in New York, but was arrested and charged in New Jersey, the venue would be in New Jersey.

  2. In a civil lawsuit, the venue is often determined by the location where the defendant resides, or where the cause of action arose. For example, if a car accident occurred in California, but one of the parties involved was from Texas, then the venue could be in either California or Texas.

  3. In a contract dispute, the venue is often specified in the terms of the contract itself. For example, if a contract states that any disputes must be resolved in New York City, then the venue would be in New York City.

Legal Terms Similar to Venue

  1. Jurisdiction - Refers to the power of a court to hear and rule on a case
  2. Forum non conveniens - Refers to the legal doctrine that allows a court to decline jurisdiction in a case if it determines that another jurisdiction is more appropriate for the case
  3. Standing - Refers to the legal right to bring a case to court based on a direct or personal interest in the outcome of the case.