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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• class-action adjective

Etymology

Origin of class action

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

“I expect that the proposed rule—once finalized—will reduce class action litigation over time,” said Rick Nowak, a lawyer at Mayer Brown who has defended plan sponsors in Erisa suits.

From Barron's

Attorneys have also filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of all the women involved in the incident, which is scheduled to go to mediation in May, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

A proposed class action has been filed in a San Francisco federal court accusing the company of securities fraud.

From Barron's

A class action lawsuit accuses Super Micro Computer of securities fraud for undisclosed server sales to China.

From Barron's

That payout has now come under scrutiny after a Times investigation found that some plaintiffs had been paid to join the class action lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times