Dow Chemical Company and Shell Oil Company, Petitioners v. Domingo Castro Alfaro, Respondents

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court held that Section 71.031 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code statutorily abolishes the doctrine of forum non conveniens for actions brought under that provision, requiring trial courts to hear such suits. The Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' reversal of the trial court's dismissal and remanded for further proceedings. Several justices dissented, arguing that the statute does not eliminate the court's discretionary power to dismiss on forum non conveniens grounds.