Between Cases and Classes: The Decision to Consolidate Multidistrict Litigation

32 Pages Posted: 8 Aug 2009

See all articles by Margaret S. Williams

Margaret S. Williams

Federal Judicial Center; Visiting Scholar

Tracey E. George

Vanderbilt University - Law School

Date Written: August 3, 2009

Abstract

This paper provides the preliminary results of a convenience sample of ninety MDL orders from 2003 to 2009. The study investigates the rationale for transfer of federal civil litigation by the Panel, where cases are assigned, and to whom. The purpose of the analysis is to identify factors that explain past transfers by the Panel, both to particular districts and judges. The results provided here represent a draft paper submitted to the Conference on Empirical Legal Studies for possible presentation at its annual meeting in November 2009.

Keywords: Multidistrict, Litigation

Suggested Citation

Williams, Margaret S. and Williams, Margaret S. and George, Tracey E., Between Cases and Classes: The Decision to Consolidate Multidistrict Litigation (August 3, 2009). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1443377 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1443377

Margaret S. Williams

Federal Judicial Center ( email )

Washington, DC 20002
United States
202-502-4080 (Phone)

Visiting Scholar ( email )

131 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
United States

Tracey E. George (Contact Author)

Vanderbilt University - Law School ( email )

131 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203-1181
United States

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