What is the purpose of bringing class actions?

July 20, 2011.

The courts refer to three major objectives of class actions:

(a) judicial economy — avoiding similar actions tying up numerous judges and excessive court resources;

(b) increased access to justice — allowing individuals with relatively small claims or resources the opportunity to have their day in court; and

(c) Deterrence or behaviour modification — the prevalence and accessibility of class actions deters potential wrongdoers, no matter how wealthy or powerful, from unlawful acts or omissions.