Class Actions: Impact of Class Action Fairness Law

Vol. 231 N.Y.L.J. 5 (March 3, 2005)

U of Texas Law, Public Law Research Paper

6 Pages Posted: 23 Jun 2013 Last revised: 19 Dec 2023

See all articles by Linda S. Mullenix

Linda S. Mullenix

University of Texas School of Law

Paul Rheingold

Rheingold, Valet, Rheingold, McCartney & Giuffa LLP

Date Written: March 3, 2005

Abstract

Commentary and analysis of the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005, enacted on February 28, 2005. This article discusses the Act’s creation of new federal original jurisdiction for class actions where the plaintiffs can show that the proposed class consists of more than 100 claimants, there is minimal diversity of citizenship among the parties, and the amount in controversy exceeds $5 million. 28 U.S.C. § 1332(d). Act also includes provisions for mandatory jurisdiction over class actions, as well as discretionary exceptions and exclusions for types of state local controversies. The article discusses the new removal provision for state class actions in 238 U.S.C. § 1453, and provisions for interlocutory appeal of removal actions. In additional the article explores CAFA’s provisions for so-called mass action cases in state court, coupon settlements, and attorney fees. The article assesses possible problems of interpretation and application of the statute’s new provisions. In a companion piece, the authors explore the possible implications of CAFA for mass tort litigation in state and federal courts.

Keywords: Class Action Fairness Act of 2005, CAFA, class actions, diversity jurisdiction, removal jurisdiction, 28 U.S.C. 1332(d), 28 U.S.C. 1453, mass actions, settlement classes, attorney fees

Suggested Citation

Mullenix, Linda S. and Rheingold, Paul, Class Actions: Impact of Class Action Fairness Law (March 3, 2005). Vol. 231 N.Y.L.J. 5 (March 3, 2005), U of Texas Law, Public Law Research Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2283654

Linda S. Mullenix (Contact Author)

University of Texas School of Law ( email )

727 East Dean Keeton Street
Austin, TX 78705
United States
512-232-1375 (Phone)

Paul Rheingold

Rheingold, Valet, Rheingold, McCartney & Giuffa LLP ( email )

113 East 37th Street
New York City, NY Manhattan 10016
United States
888-335-9457 (Phone)
212-689-8156 (Fax)

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