What is a "class action lawsuit"?

A "class action lawsuit" is characterized by a legal action that is filed on behalf of a group of people who share common interests, typically involving similar grievances against a defendant. This type of lawsuit allows individuals who may not have the resources or capacity to sue on their own to collectively seek justice and compensation as a unified group. The essence of a class action is its ability to address widespread harm or common legal questions that affect multiple plaintiffs, often making the legal process more efficient and equitable.

For instance, if a corporation causes a product defect that harms many consumers, rather than each consumer filing separate lawsuits, a single class action can be brought that represents all affected individuals. This allows for streamlined proceedings and the ability to garner a settlement or judgment that benefits the entire class, rather than piecemeal outcomes for each individual case.

By pooling resources and claims, a class action can also enhance access to justice for individuals who might be discouraged from pursuing legal action on their own due to the costs involved. This unique feature distinguishes class action lawsuits from others, such as individual suits that involve singular plaintiffs or cases that focus solely on constitutional issues or international parties.