Class Action systems are not well developed in most countries. However, there is clearly a worldwide trend towards adopting legislation that permits the legal protection of group rights.

Class Actions in a Comparative Perspective contains a short but complete description of class action litigation in over twenty countries and examines how each has addressed contemporary societal needs. Looking at a broad presentation of class actions, including parens patriae civil actions and associational actions, provides a meaningful perspective on the realities that each leagl system and culture must face when adopting class action legislation.

It is a worthwhile exercise in comparative civil procedure to explore how different legal systems develop creative solutions for common problems, while taking into account the unique challenges and potential arising from their own local needs.