Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation
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The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) is a specialized body within the U.S. federal court system responsible for managing the consolidation of civil actions that share common questions of fact across different federal district courts. This process aims to streamline litigation, avoid duplicative discovery, and conserve judicial resources.
Mission
The mission of the JPML is to ensure the efficient and just handling of complex civil litigation that spans multiple judicial districts. By consolidating related cases for pretrial proceedings, the JPML seeks to reduce the burden on litigants and courts, promote consistent rulings, and expedite the resolution of similar legal issues.
Parent organization
The JPML operates within the broader structure of the United States Federal Judiciary, specifically under the umbrella of the Judicial Conference of the United States.
Legislation
The JPML was established by the Multidistrict Litigation Act of 1968, which authorized the creation of a panel to handle the transfer and consolidation of civil actions.
Partners
- The JPML does not have formal partners but works closely with all U.S. district courts, the Judicial Conference, and sometimes with special masters or mediators appointed for specific MDL cases.
Number of employees
The exact number of employees is not publicly specified, as the panel consists mainly of sitting judges who serve on the panel in addition to their regular judicial duties.
Organization structure
- Chairperson leads the panel, managing its agenda and administrative affairs.
- Judges from various circuit courts serve on the panel, typically seven judges in total, who hold hearings and make decisions on motions for transfer or remand.
List of programs
- MDL Coordination and Hearings
- Case Management and Discovery Coordination
- Educational Resources on MDL for the Judiciary
Last total enacted budget
The budget for the JPML is not distinctly itemized but is part of the overall funding for the federal judiciary system.
Leader
The title of the leader of the JPML is **Chairperson**.
Services provided
The JPML provides services aimed at managing multidistrict litigation, including deciding whether to consolidate related civil actions for pretrial proceedings, assigning cases to a single district court, overseeing the progress of these consolidated cases, and potentially remanding cases back to their original courts after pretrial proceedings.
Regulations overseen
The JPML does not oversee regulations per se but operates under the Multidistrict Litigation Act and the procedural rules set by the Judicial Conference of the United States for MDL proceedings.
Headquarters address
Not publicly specified as the panel does not have a standalone office; members meet periodically in various locations.
History
The JPML was created in response to the complexities and inefficiencies of handling numerous, related lawsuits across different courts, particularly evident with the rise in mass tort and product liability cases. Since its inception, the JPML has been pivotal in managing large-scale, multi-district litigations, like those involving pharmaceuticals, environmental issues, and product defects.
External links
- [JPML Official Website](https://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/)
- wikipedia:Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation
- [Federal Judicial Center MDL Information](https://www.fjc.gov/history/courts/judicial-panel-multidistrict-litigation)
- [Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts on MDL](https://www.uscourts.gov/judicial-panel-multidistrict-litigation)