VENUE, in criminal law, the proper area of jurisdiction for the trial of a crime by indictment (from the Lat. venire). Every criminal court has its jurisdiction limited to some part of Eng land, and unless empowered by statute, cannot try any crimes other than those committed within its jurisdiction. For certain crimes, however, the venue may be laid in any part of England. The King's Bench Division has power to change the venue. In civil matters, that is to say, in actions commenced in the High Court, there is now no local venue for the trial of actions, but the place of trial is fixed (pursuant to Or. 36 r. i of the Rules
of the Supreme Court) on a summons for direction, which is taken out shortly after the commencement of proceedings. As a general rule the court directs that the trial shall take place at the place which is most convenient, having regard to all the cir cumstances, e.g., the residences of the parties and their witnesses, and the dates when assizes are held, and to the fact that jurors ought not to be asked to try cases which do not arise in their own district. (See further, CRIMINAL LAW; PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE;