§ Rule 42 Consolidation; Separate Trials

Codes > Federal Rules of Civil Procedure > Title VI > Rule 42

Rule 42. Consolidation; Separate Trials

    (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.