Media OPT-OUT CLASS ACTIONS IN THE UK: ARE WE ENTERING A NEW ERA IN LITIGATION?

Class actions have been a feature of the US courts for many years, but to date have not taken root in the same way in the UK. To a great extent, this is arguably due to the lack of an “opt-out” style of litigation procedure in the UK system. However, the recent introduction of these procedures, firstly in the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal and very soon in the Scottish Court of Session, is bringing about gradual but significant changes that may well alter the litigation culture in the UK permanently.