CHALLENGING CLASS CERTIFICATION AT THE PLEADING STAGE: WHAT RULE SHOULD GOVERN AND WHAT STANDARD SHOULD APPLY? TIMOTHY A. DANIELS* I. II.
242 INTRODUCTION ............................................... CURRENT APPROACHES TO CHALLENGES TO CLASS .............. 245 CERTIFICATION AT THE PLEADING STAGE ......
A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. III.
First Circuit ....................................... 246 Second Circuit......................... ....... 247 Third Circuit ............................ ..... 248 Fourth Circuit ........................... ..... 250 Fifth Circuit ....................................... 252 Sixth Circuit ........................................ 254 Seventh Circuit ....................... ............ 255 Eighth Circuit .................................... 256 Ninth Circuit ............................ ..... 258 Tenth Circuit ........................................ 260 Eleventh Circuit..........................................261 RULE 23 SHOULD GOVERN ALL DECISIONS REGARDING CLASS CERTIFICATION.
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262
A.
Rule 12 Is Not an AppropriateProceduralDevice to Challenge Class Certification ...................... 263 1. Rule 12() Should Not Be Used to Challenge Class Allegations. ................................ 263 2. Rule 12(b)(6) Has Only Limited Applicability in Challenging Class Allegations................... 265 B. Class-CertificationDecisionsShould Be Decided Exclusively Under Rule 23........... ................ 269 C. Appropriate Standardto Determine a Defendant's Motion to Deny Class Certification........................... 271 1. What Is Being Decided Under Rule 23 ............................. 271 * Partner with the law firm of Figari & Davenport, LLP in Dallas, Texas. I would like to thank my colleagues who provided invaluable input and advice, in particular my partners Don Colleluori and Amanda Sotak, as well as Carol Cooper, retired from General Motors' legal department, who took the time to provide their unvarnished thoughts and opinions throughout the drafting process. The ultimate conclusions herein are my own, but were shaped and sharpened by Carol, Don, and Amanda.
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