What is the definition of a "class action" lawsuit?

A "class action" lawsuit is defined as a legal proceeding where a group of individuals with shared interests or common grievances come together to sue a defendant or defendants. This collective nature allows the claimants to consolidate their cases, which can streamline the legal process and make it more efficient. Class actions are particularly beneficial in cases involving numerous people who may have suffered similar harm, as it provides a platform for those individuals to address their grievances collectively rather than on an individual basis.

In this context, individuals who form a class action typically share similar legal or factual claims against the same party, which enables them to pursue the lawsuit as a unified entity. This not only helps to level the playing field against larger entities that might have significant legal resources but also ensures that the courts can manage the cases effectively.

The other choices do not encapsulate this definition accurately. A lawsuit involving a single claimant pertains to individual legal action, a case filed by the government refers to legal actions enacted by state or federal authorities, and disputes involving multiple legal jurisdictions address legal issues across different regional legal systems rather than class-wide grievances. Thus, the essence of a class action in providing a collective legal remedy distinguishes it from other types of lawsuits.