How is the class of plaintiffs identified and certified?

The class of plaintiffs in a California class action lawsuit is identified and certified by a judge. The judge must consider several legal criteria before certifying a class of plaintiffs. Firstly, the court must determine that the class of plaintiffs have common legal issues which can be decided in one court proceeding. Secondly, the plaintiffs must have similar levels of legal rights and interests which are affected by the case. Thirdly, the class of plaintiffs must be so numerous that it would not be practical to join them all in a single lawsuit. Lastly, the court must find that the claims brought against the defendant are typical of the claims made by the rest of the class of plaintiffs. Once the court has certified the class of plaintiffs, the class is officially recognized and the lawsuit can proceed. The class of plaintiffs must then be notified of the lawsuit, and all members must be given an opportunity to opt out of the case or stay in the class. After all the members of the class have been notified and the appropriate opt-outs have been made, the class of plaintiffs can begin to present their claims in court. Class action lawsuits are an important tool for protecting the rights of large groups of people in California. By certifying and identifying the class of plaintiffs, the court is able to ensure that all members of the class receive fair representation, and that the claims of the class are heard in a fair and just manner.

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How is the class of plaintiffs identified and certified?

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