Civil Justice System Quiz

What is a class action?

• A type of proceeding where a group of people with claims against the same party join together

• A legal process involving only one individual

• A criminal trial involving multiple defendants

• A private negotiation between two parties

What type of issues need to be decided in a class action?

• Different issues for each plaintiff

• The same issues

• Unrelated issues

• Personal issues

What is the court's role in relation to litigation funders?

• To ignore their involvement.

• To approve their legal costs and fees.

• To provide them with legal advice.

• To reduce their share of the recovery.

What is a potential benefit of involving a litigation funder in a class action?

• Increased costs for the plaintiff

• Reduced responsibility for costs by the lead plaintiff

• Guaranteed win in court

• Faster court proceedings

Why might a lead plaintiff not be responsible for costs in a class action?

• Due to a "pay later" policy

• Because of a "no win, no fee" policy or litigation funder

• Because the defendant covers all costs

• Due to a court mandate

Why might one group member conduct their own proceeding in a class action?

• They have suffered significantly more than other members

• They disagree with the lawyer

• They want to change the law

• They live in a different state

What is necessary for someone to be a lead plaintiff in a class action?

• They must be a lawyer

• They must be willing and able

• They must have a criminal record

• They must be over 50 years old

What happens if no litigation funder or plaintiff law firm is involved in a failed class action?

• The lead plaintiff faces no financial risk.

• The lead plaintiff may face a large cost burden.

• The case is automatically retried.

• The court covers all costs.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of class actions?

Groups:

(a) Strengths

,

(b) Weaknesses

• Saves time and resouces

• Cases can continue when no-one wants to be lead plaintiff

• Large cost burden on lead plaintiff

• Group members don't face costs

• Lots of time and resources in court

• LFs will take their slice from the total damages

What is a potential drawback of a class action lawsuit for plaintiffs?

• Higher chances of winning

• Individual claims may be undervalued

• Faster resolution of the case

• Increased media attention