What legal concept allows individuals to file a lawsuit on behalf of a group?

The legal concept that allows individuals to file a lawsuit on behalf of a group is known as a class action. This type of lawsuit is designed to resolve claims that are similar in nature and where the individuals (the class members) have suffered similar harm or injury. Class action suits enable a single representative party to proceed on behalf of the entire group, which can help alleviate the burden on the courts by consolidating cases that share common legal and factual issues.

This approach is particularly effective in situations where it may be impractical for each individual to file a separate lawsuit due to factors like the small amount of damages involved. Class actions also help promote judicial efficiency and ensure that individuals with similar grievances can collectively seek justice, potentially leading to a more equitable outcome.

In contrast, the other options refer to different legal concepts. Litigation refers to the process of taking legal action in general. A joint trial might occur when multiple defendants or parties are tried together in the same court proceedings, but it does not specifically address group representation. A representative claim, while related, does not capture the formal structure and procedural rules that define class actions.