In recognizing Forum Non Conveniens, the Supreme court reversed a May 2005 ruling by the Providence County Superior Court and joined the 46 other states that already have adopted the doctrine.

Over 30 lawsuits were filed in Rhode Island, even though none of the injuries occurred in RI, these plaintiffs were never exposed to asbestos in RI, they never received any care in RI, and none of the defendants were headquartered or located in RI.

Forum Non Conveniens allows a court to decline to exercise jurisdiction when the plaintiff’s chosen forum is significantly inconvenient and the ends of justice would be better served if the action were brought and tried in another forum.

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