What is meant by 'adequacy of representation' in class action lawsuits?

'Adequacy of representation' in class action lawsuits refers to the assurance that the interests of the class, as a whole, are properly represented. This legal principle is crucial to ensure that the representative parties and their attorneys are capable of adequately protecting the interests of all class members in the litigation.

In a class action, numerous individuals may have claims that are too small to pursue individually, but collectively, they seek justice or compensation for similar injuries or grievances. The representative party must show they can effectively advocate for the class's interests, balancing various perspectives and ensuring that no segment is unfairly disadvantaged. This adequacy is assessed based on the representative's qualifications, experience, and the absence of conflicts of interest.

The importance of this principle lies in the need to maintain fairness and integrity in the legal process, ensuring that any judgment or settlement reached benefits all class members adequately without compromising any individual's rights. The class’s interests being properly represented also underpins the legitimacy of the class action framework itself.