444
Syllabus
which maritime actors rely in making decisions about how to manage their business. Second, it is most unlikely ever to produce uniform results, since the doctrine vests great discretion in the trial court, see, e. g., Piper Aircraft Co. v. Reyno, 454 U. S. 235, 257, and acknowledges multifarious factors as being relevant to its application, see Gulf Oil Corp. v. Gilbert, 330 U. S. 501, 508-509. Pp. 450-455. (d) The foregoing conclusion is strongly confirmed by examination of federal legislation. The Jones Act permits state courts to apply their local forum non conveniens rules. See 46 U. S. C. App. § 688(a); Missouri ex rel. Southern R. Co. v. Mayfield, 340 U. S. 1, 5. This supports the view that maritime commerce in general does not require a uniform rule on the subject. The implication of the Court's holding in Bain-bridge v. Merchants & Miners Transp. Co., 287 U. S. 278, 280-281—that although § 688(a) contains a venue provision, Jones Act venue in state court should be determined in accordance with state law—is that federal venue rules in maritime actions are a matter of judicial housekeeping, prescribed only for the federal courts. Pp. 455-457.
595 So. 2d 615, affirmed.
Scalia, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which Rehnquist, C. J., and Blackmun, O'Connor, Souter, and Ginsburg, JJ., joined, and in Part II-C of which Stevens, J., joined. Souter, J., filed a concurring opinion, post, p. 457. Stevens, J., filed an opinion concurring in part and concurring in the judgment, post, p. 458. Kennedy, J., filed a dissenting opinion, in which Thomas, J., joined, post, p. 462.
Thomas J. Wagner argued the cause for petitioner. With him on the briefs was Whitney L. Cole.
Timothy J. Falcon argued the cause for respondent. With him on the brief were Stephen M. Wiles, John Hunter, and James A. George.
John F. Manning argued the cause for the United States as amicus curiae urging affirmance. With him on the brief were Solicitor General Days, Assistant Attorney General Hunger, and Acting Deputy Solicitor General Kneedler.*
*Lizabeth L. Burrell and George W. Healy III filed a brief for the Maritime Law Association of the United States as amicus curiae urging reversal.
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