Anyone interested in curious in an outsider’s critique of the U.S. class action system should be following the debate over the adoption of an opt-out collective action scheme in the U.K. Opponents of opt-out collective actions point to the “looniness” of the American system as a reason why not to adopt a similar scheme. Proponents say that a U.S.-style class action procedure is the only way to preserve justice and access to the courts for consumers. Should the U.K. try out lawsuits, American Style, or should they follow the European Wayand leave mass justice to government regulators? This op-ed from the Times Online entitled Class Actions: Why Are We Waiting? offers arguments from both sides of the debate.
