The Cambridge Handbook of Class Actions: An International Survey

Economic activity is more globally integrated, leading to increased visibility of corporate misconduct and a growing convergence towards an American model of robust private enforcement of the law. This handbook provides a comprehensive description and assessment of class-action procedures in nearly two dozen countries, offering multidisciplinary perspectives and empirical data. It is an essential resource for academics, lawyers, and policymakers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 575 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Economic activity has reached unprecedented levels of global integration, but so too has the prevalence of corporate misconduct. The impact of such wrongdoing extends to individuals across the globe, highlighting the disparities in legal remedies available. The increased transparency in this realm has led to a gradual convergence towards an American-style model of robust private enforcement of the law, exemplified by the class-action lawsuit. This comprehensive handbook, compiled by scholars from nearly two dozen countries, provides a detailed description and evaluation of the class-action procedure (or its equivalent) in each respective country. Additionally, it offers empirical data on these systems, making it an invaluable resource for academics, lawyers, and policymakers alike.

The handbook encompasses a diverse range of multidisciplinary perspectives on class actions, spanning from economics to philosophy. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and implications of this legal mechanism. By exploring the class-action process from various angles, the handbook offers valuable insights into its historical development, legal frameworks, practical applications, and potential challenges.

One of the key strengths of this handbook is its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The authors draw upon their extensive research and expertise to provide practical insights and recommendations for practitioners, policymakers, and scholars alike. They offer practical examples and case studies to illustrate the effectiveness and limitations of class actions in different contexts, and they provide guidance on navigating the legal complexities associated with these proceedings.

Furthermore, the handbook addresses the growing importance of international cooperation in combating corporate misconduct. It recognizes that cross-border issues often require collaborative efforts to ensure effective enforcement and remediation. The authors highlight the need for international agreements, regulations, and standards to harmonize the class-action process across different jurisdictions, promoting fairness and consistency in the global marketplace.

In conclusion, this handbook serves as a comprehensive and authoritative resource for anyone interested in the field of class actions. It provides a wealth of information and insights that will be valuable to academics, lawyers, policymakers, and individuals seeking to understand and navigate the complex world of corporate misconduct and legal remedies. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and promoting global cooperation, this handbook contributes to the advancement of knowledge and the development of more effective strategies for addressing corporate wrongdoing.

ISBN-13: 9781009295697