What is Rule 23 (Federal Rules Of Civil Procedure)?

Class action glossary term

Short Definition

The federal rule that governs most class actions in U.S. federal courts, including certification, notice, and settlements.

What It Means

Rule 23 sets the standards for when a class can be certified and what notice must say. It also governs court approval of settlements and allows the court to award reasonable attorneys’ fees in certified cases.

Example

Example: Rule 23 requires opt-out rights and notice for many money-damages classes.

Why It Matters

Rule 23 shapes your rightsβ€”like opting out, objecting, and how settlements are approved.

Related Terms

Primary Source

Transparency

This class action term is explained for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Definitions and applications may vary by jurisdiction and case context.

To see how this term is applied in real cases, explore current and past class action settlements.

© TheClassActionLawsuit 2026