Class Actions (Rule 23)
Civil Procedure · Lesson 09
Class Actions (Rule 23)
這一課問的是：提議之集體訴訟是否滿足 Rule 23(a) 前提及 23(b) 任一類別？
ActorActObjectStandardConsequence
Issue · what this lesson is really about
Does the proposed class meet Rule 23(a) prerequisites and one of the Rule 23(b) categories?
這一課問的是：提議之集體訴訟是否滿足 Rule 23(a) 前提及 23(b) 任一類別？
Trigger words & phrases that should flag this issue:
class actioncommon questionspredominatetypicalitynumerosity
Core Terminology · 7 must-know
Tap a card to flip and reveal the meaning.
Rule 23(a)
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Four prerequisites: numerosity, commonality, typicality, adequate representation.
23(a) 四前提。
numerosity
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Joinder of all members impracticable.
眾多性。
commonality
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Common questions of law or fact (Wal-Mart v. Dukes).
共同性。
typicality
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Representative claims typical of class.
典型性。
adequacy
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Representative will fairly and adequately protect class.
充分代表。
Rule 23(b)(3)
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Common questions predominate + superior method.
23(b)(3) 主導 + 優越。
predominance
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Common issues predominate over individual ones.
主導。
Rule Sentence · the workhorse
A class action requires satisfaction of all four Rule 23(a) prerequisites — numerosity, commonality, typicality, and adequate representation — plus one of the Rule 23(b) categories.
Sentence Anatomy · 5 roles, 5 colors
Every rule sentence breaks into five visual roles.
Actor 行為人class representative集體代表人
Act 行為moving for certification聲請認證
Object 對象proposed class提議集體
Standard 法律標準23(a) + 23(b)23(a) + 23(b)
Consequence 後果class certified or denied認證或否准
Casebook Snapshot · a real American case
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes
Holding. Rule 23(a)(2) commonality requires a single common contention capable of classwide resolution — one whose determination will resolve a central issue for all class members in one stroke. Generalized claims of nationwide "corporate culture" do not satisfy commonality where individual managers exercised discretion.
Why it matters. Dukes tightened commonality: classwide claims need a true classwide "common answer," not just a common policy theme.
Dukes：共同性須有可一舉解決全體之共同主張。
Common Mistakes · what trips students
✗ (b)(3) 不必通知。
✓ 23(c)(2)(B) requires best notice practicable + opt-out.
23(c)(2)(B) 要求最佳通知 + 可退出。
✗ predominance 與 commonality 相同。
✓ Predominance is more demanding.
主導性要求更高。
Mini IRAC · build the Application
Issue. Should the court certify a class of 5,000 consumers under Rule 23(b)(3) on a uniform mislabeling claim?
Rule. A Rule 23(b)(3) class requires all four 23(a) prerequisites plus predominance of common questions and superiority of class adjudication.
Application (model). The 5,000 consumers all purchased the same product with the identical mislabeled ingredient list. Because Rule 23(b)(3) requires that common questions predominate and that class adjudication be superior to individual suits, the fact that the same mislabel is the central issue for every class member — and individual claims would be uneconomical — means both predominance and superiority are satisfied.
Pick the right element for each blank:
g1.
g2.
g3.
Conclusion. Therefore, the class should be certified under Rule 23(b)(3) (subject to 23(a) findings).
MBE Check · multiple choice
A class is certified under Rule 23(b)(3). Must absent class members be notified?
Practice Drill · tap to build the rule
Drop the chips here in correct order:
Tap chips to add → tap chips in the target to remove: