Moore v. Chicago & North Western Transportation Co.

On the court’s own motion these two cases were consolidated for opinion after oral argument. They present a single issue for review: Did the trial court abuse its discretion when it denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss based upon the doctrine of forum non conveniens?

In each case, the defendants’ motions to dismiss the action on the grounds of forum non conveniens were denied by the trial court. Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 306(a)(1)(ii) (87 Ill. 2d R. 306(a)(l)(ii)), each defendant sought review of the trial court’s ruling in the appellate court. In exercising its discretion under the…