Venue

What venue means

In short, venue is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.

Where venue comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Motion to Dismiss for Improper Venue (Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(3); 28 U.S.C. § 1406(a)): a motion arguing the case was filed in the wrong district or division.
• Motion to Transfer Venue (28 U.S.C. § 1404(a)): a request to move a case to another federal district or division.

How to research the term

First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses venue in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.

You can read the official rule text online for free.

Related legal terms

• Uniform Commercial Code: a model law covering commercial transactions such as sales and secured transactions. It has force only as each state enacts it.
• Vacate: to cancel or set aside a judgment or order.
• Verdict: the decision of a jury on the questions submitted to it.
• Verified complaint: a complaint whose allegations are sworn to or declared true under penalty of perjury.

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.