TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jun 5, 2024

The U.S. Judicial Conference's Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure has approved a first-of-its kind rule to govern federal mass torts cases and provide judges a roadmap to follow when assigned hundreds or thousands of lawsuits against companies. The rule, which has been under consideration since 2017, now goes to the Judicial Conference. If approved, it would be transmitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, which would then submit it to Congress. Unless Congress disapproved it, the rule would take effect Dec. 1, 2025. The committee also has approved a proposal designed to strengthen disclosure rules for those who fund friend-of-the-court briefs. That proposed change, which is expected to be controversial, will be subject to a public comment period. Reuters reports on both actions.