Consolidation; Separate Trials

U.S Code last checked for updates: Jan 30, 2025

Rule 42.

(a)

Consolidation.

If actions before the court involve a common question of law or fact, the court may:

(1)

join for hearing or trial any or all matters at issue in the actions;

(2)

consolidate the actions; or

(3)

issue any other orders to avoid unnecessary cost or delay.

(b)

Separate Trials.

For convenience, to avoid prejudice, or to expedite and economize, the court may order a separate trial of one or more separate issues, claims, crossclaims, counterclaims, or third-party claims. When ordering a separate trial, the court must preserve any federal right to a jury trial.

(As amended Feb. 28, 1966, eff. July 1, 1966; Apr. 30, 2007, eff. Dec. 1, 2007.)