Forum Non Conveniens/Inconvenient Forum

Section 25-2-201(3), MCA, which governs motions to change venue within Montana on the ground of convenience of witnesses and the ends of justice, reflects the principles of forum non conveniens.  We have held that § 25-2-201(3), MCA, grants the district court wide discretion, and we will not disturb the court's decision absent a clear abuse of that discretion.  Because a forum non conveniens analysis turns on similar considerations, we review a district court's determination on a motion to dismiss under forum non conveniens for an abuse of discretion.  Harrington v. Energy West, Inc., 2017 MT 141, ¶ 11, 387 Mont 497, 396 P.3d 114.