United States District Courts

United States District Courts are federal trial courts where cases are heard and decided. In situations where multiple lawsuits involve similar issues or facts, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) can consolidate these cases into one court for more efficient handling. This is done to streamline the legal process, reduce duplication of efforts, and ensure consistent rulings. The JPML decides which district court will handle the consolidated cases, helping to manage complex litigation, such as mass torts or class actions, more effectively.