What is proper venue for a federal civil action under 28 U.S.C. § 1391?

• A. A district where none of the parties reside.
• B. A district where any defendant resides, or where a substantial part of the events occurred, or where there is personal jurisdiction.
• C. A district where the plaintiff is domiciled only.
• D. A district chosen by the defendant's consent.

Answer: (B)

Under 28 U.S.C. § 1391, proper venue is tied to a meaningful connection to the defendant or to the events giving rise to the claim. A federal civil action may be brought in a district where any defendant resides (typically where the defendant is subject to personal jurisdiction), or in a district where a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred, or in a district where any defendant is subject to personal jurisdiction (as a fallback if the first two options aren’t available). This structure ensures the case is filed in a location connected to the parties or the underlying events, not in an arbitrary forum.