It’s always important to read the fine print. In a win for class-action waivers, the Fourth Circuit recently issued an opinion ordering decertification of numerous classes, providing clarity both on the enforceability of class-action waivers and the kind of litigation conduct that might cause a defendant to forfeit such contractual […]
In Mr. Dee’s Inc. v. Inmar, Inc., 127 F.4th 925 (4th Cir. 2025), the Fourth Circuit affirmed a decision by Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. of the Middle District of North Carolina denying, for the third time, plaintiffs’ attempt to certify a class of coupon manufacturers. It is not only […]
Does a trial court have to approve a voluntary dismissal of a putative class action before the case gets to class certification? While the precise answer remains uncertain, the Fourth Circuit, North Carolina courts, and other jurisdictions have made room for a Rule 23(e)-adjacent—or, Rule 23(e) “light”—approach for handling voluntary, […]
As the end of 2024 approaches, it’s a good time to take a look at the Fourth Circuit’s decisions on class certification over the past year. In 2024, the Fourth Circuit issued several decisions on class certification, offering guidance on ascertainability, commonality, standing, the relationship between Rule 12(b)(6) and class […]