The Rising Behemoth: Multidistrict and Mass Tort Litigation in the United States - Douglas Smith cover
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The Rising Behemoth: Multidistrict and Mass Tort Litigation in the United States - Douglas Smith

ISBN
9781641057844
Publisher
American Bar Association
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The Rising Behemoth: Multidistrict and Mass Tort Litigation in the United States Douglas Smith ISBN 9781641057844

Over the past several decades, multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the federal courts has grown exponentially. Originally designed to consolidate relatively small numbers of commercial cases, MDLs have evolved—driven by large-scale mass torts—into the primary vehicle for resolving hundreds of thousands of federal tort claims. From asbestos to opioids, MDL proceedings now handle some of the most complex and high-profile disputes in the country.

Despite their prominence, MDL proceedings have faced growing criticism in recent years. Defendants argue that these cases attract large numbers of meritless claims and that many MDL courts fail to rigorously evaluate the claims filed. The result is an overwhelming volume of unmeritorious cases, often placing significant pressure on defendants to settle claims that may not have had a valid basis.

The Rising Behemoth provides a comprehensive guide to the lifecycle of large-scale MDL litigation—from filing to resolution through trial or settlement. Along the way, it offers a critical examination of modern MDL practices, advancing the debate on their strengths and shortcomings, and proposes practical strategies for improving the system. This book is an essential resource for practitioners, judges, and scholars seeking to understand and navigate the complexities of federal MDL litigation.

The Rising Behemoth: Multidistrict and Mass Tort Litigation in the United States Douglas Smith ISBN 9781641057844, 978-1641057844 & 978-16410-57844

Author
Douglas Smith