In a class action, which role represents the group in the action?

In a class action, which role represents the group in the action?

• A. Lead plaintiff
• B. Lead defendant
• C. Court-appointed guardian
• D. Court-appointed mediator

Answer: (A)

In a class action, one member acts as the representative to sue on behalf of the entire group. This lead plaintiff carries the claim forward for all class members and their decisions—such as settlements or judgments—bind the whole class (those who are part of the class and didn’t opt out). That representative role is exactly what the lead plaintiff does. The other roles don’t fit: the lead defendant is the opposing party in the case; a court-appointed guardian would represent someone who cannot represent themselves (like a minor or incapacitated person) in specific circumstances, not the entire class; and a court-appointed mediator is a neutral facilitator for negotiations, not a party representing the group in litigation.

In a class action, one member acts as the representative to sue on behalf of the entire group. This lead plaintiff carries the claim forward for all class members and their decisions—such as settlements or judgments—bind the whole class (those who are part of the class and didn’t opt out). That representative role is exactly what the lead plaintiff does.

The other roles don’t fit: the lead defendant is the opposing party in the case; a court-appointed guardian would represent someone who cannot represent themselves (like a minor or incapacitated person) in specific circumstances, not the entire class; and a court-appointed mediator is a neutral facilitator for negotiations, not a party representing the group in litigation.