Class action: Difference between revisions
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A class action (or class-action lawsuit) is a type of civil lawsuit that allows a group of individuals (the "class") to make a unified, collective civil case against an entity. | A class action (or class-action lawsuit) is a type of civil lawsuit that allows a group of individuals (the "class") to make a unified, collective civil case against an entity. | ||
When a class action succeeds, the class receives compensation, and after legal fees, all members of the class receive a share of the compensation. | When a class action succeeds, the class receives compensation, and after legal fees, all members of the class receive a share of the compensation. | ||
Class actions originated in the US but are now recognised in some other jurisdictions, including Canada, the UK, and some European countries. | Class actions originated in the US but are now recognised in some other jurisdictions, including Canada, the UK, and some European countries. | ||
== Importance for consumer rights == | |||
Class actions are of particular importance for upholding consumer rights, as they allow claimants to receive justice when it would be too costly and time-consuming for individuals to separately seek justice on a widespread issue. | |||
== Obstacles == | == Obstacles == | ||