What is a "class action lawsuit"?

A "class action lawsuit" is characterized by its ability to represent a large group of individuals who share similar claims or grievances against the same defendant or defendants. This type of legal action allows these individuals, often referred to as "class members," to come together and pursue a collective case, rather than each person filing a separate lawsuit. The commonality of their claims streamlines the judicial process, making it more efficient for both the court system and the parties involved.

In a class action, the representative plaintiffs advocate on behalf of all class members, presenting the case based on the collective harm suffered. The court must certify the class, confirming that the claims are common enough to be considered together. This structure is particularly useful in cases involving widespread issues, such as consumer rights violations or employment discrimination, where individual claims might be too small to justify the costs of separate litigation.

The other answers do not accurately capture the essence of a class action lawsuit. A lawsuit against multiple defendants at once signifies a different legal procedure, not necessarily involving the representation of those with similar claims. A type of case exclusively concerning corporate clients suggests a limitation to businesses, whereas class actions can encompass any number of individuals regardless of their corporate status. Lastly, lawsuits solely filed by government entities describe a