What defines a class-action lawsuit?

A class-action lawsuit is defined as a legal action filed by one or more individuals on behalf of a larger group with similar claims. This legal structure allows a group of people, who may have suffered similar harm or have similar legal grievances, to come together and consolidate their claims into a single lawsuit. This is particularly useful in cases where individual claims might be too small to justify the cost of litigation on their own, ensuring that the concerns of many individuals can be addressed efficiently and effectively.

The nature of a class-action lawsuit is rooted in the idea of collective redress. By allowing individuals to band together, it not only makes the process more efficient but also ensures that judicial resources are utilized effectively and that plaintiffs have a stronger position against potentially powerful defendants. This form of litigation often involves issues such as consumer rights, employment disputes, or environmental concerns, making it a vital aspect of the legal system that promotes access to justice for groups of people with common interests.