In a question of first impression, the Seventh Circuit joined the Second, Third, Fourth, Sixth and Ninth Circuits—and disagreed with the Fifth Circuit—and held that a party seeking certification of an issue class under Rule...more
The third quarter of 2023 was relatively quiet, but we did see opinions addressing mootness, standing, and interpretations of Federal Rule 23(c)(4) and (f)....more
The full text of each summary can be found below through the Table of Contents links. Highlights from this issue include...more
Takeaway: Federal Rule 23(c)(4) provides: “When appropriate, an action may be brought or maintained as a class action with respect to particular issues.” Although class plaintiffs often seek “issue certification” as an...more
Earlier this month, in Plastic Surgery Associates, SC v. Cynosure, Inc., United States District Judge Denise Casper denied plaintiffs’ motion for class certification and allowed Cynosure’s motion for summary judgment on...more
On March 18, the Supreme Court declined to review a Sixth Circuit decision affirming an Ohio federal court’s order certifying a class on specific issues in a groundwater pollution suit....more
The Situation: The Sixth Circuit recently affirmed the certification of an issue class in a groundwater pollution case. The court endorsed a "broad" view of Rule 23(c)(4) under which common questions must predominate only...more
This edition focuses on rulings issued between February 16, 2018, and June 15, 2018. In this issue, we cover three decisions granting motions to strike/dismiss class claims, five decisions denying such motions, 27 decisions...more
Seyfarth Synopsis: In a toxic tort class action stemming from automotive and dry cleaning facilities’ alleged contamination of groundwater near Dayton, Ohio, the Sixth Circuit affirmed an Ohio federal district court’s grant...more
Last week the Sixth Circuit took a big step to extend its reputation as one of the most class-friendly circuits in the country. In Martin v. Behr Dayton Thermal Prods. LLC, Judge Jane Stranch, writing for a unanimous panel,...more
A class action that aggregates the claims of individual plaintiffs against a common defendant can promote judicial economy and maximize efficiency. However, even the pursuit of class certification can promote abuse. In the...more