What is a class action lawsuit?

A class action lawsuit is a legal proceeding where one or several individuals sue on behalf of a larger group of people who have similar legal claims or issues. This type of lawsuit allows the group, often referred to as the "class," to collectively pursue a claim against a defendant, which can be more efficient and effective than having each individual file separate lawsuits.

Class actions are particularly useful in situations where the harm suffered by each individual may be small, making it impractical for them to individually take legal action. Instead, they can band together to enhance their strength in numbers and share the costs and benefits of the legal process. This mechanism is commonly used in cases involving consumer rights, employment disputes, and environmental disasters.

The other options describe different types of legal proceedings that do not encompass the collective nature inherent in class action lawsuits. Hence, the focus on the collaborative aspect of those involved in a class action makes this option the correct choice.