Civil Procedure
Consolidation
Combining related cases for coordinated management, discovery, hearings, or trial.
Governing rule: Fed. R. Civ. P. 42(a)
Plain-English definition
Consolidation is used when separate lawsuits share common questions of law or fact. It can mean joint discovery, joint motion practice, or a combined trial. The cases may remain separate for judgment even while they are managed together.
How it works
Courts weigh efficiency against possible prejudice or confusion. Consolidation is common after mass accidents, product disputes, and repeated suits over the same business practice.
Why it matters
Consolidation can lower costs and avoid inconsistent rulings, but it can also amplify litigation pressure by making one case part of a larger fight.
Related terms
More in Civil Procedure
Amended Complaint
A revised complaint that changes, adds, or clarifies allegations, parties, or claims after the original complaint was filed.
Answer
The defendant's formal written response to the plaintiff's complaint, admitting or denying each allegation.
Class Certification
The judicial decision to allow a lawsuit to proceed as a class action on behalf of similarly-situated plaintiffs.
Collateral Estoppel
Also called issue preclusion. The doctrine that prevents re-litigating a specific issue that was actually decided in a prior case.
Complaint
The initial pleading filed by the plaintiff that starts a civil lawsuit.
Counterclaim
A claim brought by a defendant against the plaintiff within the same lawsuit.
Crossclaim
A claim by one party against a co-party, such as one defendant suing another defendant in the same case.
Default
A clerk or court entry showing that a party failed to plead, defend, or otherwise respond as required.
Not legal advice. Definitions are for general reference. Consult an attorney before relying on any term in a real case.