A new en banc 5th Circuit opinion from a strongly divided court grants the extraordinary remedy of mandamus to overturn perceived forum shopping related to a “rocket docket” in the Eastern District of Texas. Much is being made of this opinion in many contexts, including patent law and product liability cases.
Opinions on venues and “rocket dockets” are taking on even more importance as litigants seek fast outcomes and ROI. That said, the Illinois Supreme Court has been issuing rulings since 1983 trying to stop perceived forum shopping in Illinois with respect to Madison and St. Clair counties (and other venues) but those counties remain extraordinarily active venues.