What is a group Action/Group Litigation?

Group Litigations are where a number of individuals with similar claims, arising from similar circumstances (and usually against the same Defendant (s), come together to proceed as a single group.

Can a group file a lawsuit if a product or conduct is high?

If the number of people affected by the product or conduct is high, it becomes impractical or even impossible for them to file individual lawsuits. When such an action is permitted, the group files the lawsuit with a representative plaintiff -- called a "named plaintiff" or "lead plaintiff" -- at the forefront.

What is a Group Litigation Order (GLO)?

Group litigation orders were added to the Civil Procedure Rules from 2 May 2000. Any party to a claim may apply for a group litigation order to be made before or after issue of the claim. A single court will be assigned to manage the GLO. A Group Register will then be set up listing all claims which have become part of the GLO.

When did group litigation start?

The final Access to Justice Report, published in July 1996, concluded that these methods were not sufficiently flexible and recommended that a system for group litigation be introduced. Group litigation orders were added to the Civil Procedure Rules from 2 May 2000.