What is meant by "venue shopping" in legal terms?

Venue shopping refers to the practice where a party involved in a legal dispute selects the most favorable location or jurisdiction to file their case. This choice is typically made to enhance the chances of a favorable outcome, whether through a more favorable legal framework, jury characteristics, or even the reputation of local courts. The selected jurisdiction can significantly impact trial proceedings, including the speed of the trial and the attitudes of jurors.

In this context, the process of venue shopping aims at finding a venue where the legal standards, jury demographics, or local laws align more favorably with the interests of the party bringing the case. It is not exclusively about the speed of the court process or the specific experiences of judges; rather, it's about strategically choosing a location that is seen as more advantageous for the type of case being pursued. This strategic decision can involve navigating differences in state laws, procedural rules, or even public sentiment regarding the issues at stake.