Which of the following describes a class action lawsuit?

A class action lawsuit is characterized by a group of individuals collectively bringing a lawsuit to court based on shared grievances or legal claims. This type of legal action allows parties who have suffered similar harm or have a common interest to seek relief together, making it more efficient to address widespread issues that affect many people in a similar manner.

The essence of a class action is that one or more individuals represent the interests of the larger group, known as the class. This approach not only provides a means for individuals to pursue justice who might not have the resources to file separate lawsuits but also promotes judicial efficiency by consolidating similar claims into one action.

In contrast, a lawsuit filed by an individual against the government pertains to a specific legal claim made by a single person, without the collective nature of class action suits. Criminal law lawsuits involve the government prosecuting individuals or entities for violations of the law, which is distinctly different from class actions that typically arise in civil contexts, often regarding issues such as consumer protection, employment rights, or environmental violations. Lastly, while some class actions may aim to influence public policy, the defining characteristic is the collective aspect of the lawsuit based on a common legal claim rather than solely aiming to change policy.