class action

American  

noun

1. a legal proceeding in which persons representing interests common to a large group participate as representatives of the group or class.

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class action British  

noun

1. law a legal action undertaken by one or more people representing the interests of a large group of people with the same grievance

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Other Word Forms

• class-action adjective

Etymology

Origin of class action

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

One bill would establish a procedure for bringing class actions in state courts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Since then, thousands of residents have filed class action lawsuits against Tepco and the Japanese government, demanding compensation for property damage, emotional distress and health problems allegedly linked to radiation exposure.

From BBC

Another box they need ticked is the resolution of the outstanding class actions against the company.

From The Wall Street Journal

This no-fault system ensures individuals are compensated by the government in a timely manner for vaccine injuries, though it also makes it harder to pursue class actions.

From The Wall Street Journal

The class action lawsuit, filed last month in the Northern District of California against the Department of Homeland Security and U.S.

From Los Angeles Times