AI Overview
The book "Class Actions in Australia" by Damian Bernard Grave and Kenneth Alexander Adams is a highly practical and comprehensive guide to class action law in Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
Complete Coverage of Class Action Law: The book provides a thorough analysis of class action law in Australia, covering all stages from commencement to settlement, including choice of forum, opting-out, conduct, trial, and costs and funding.
Evolution of Class Actions Law: The book reflects the maturity and ongoing evolution of class actions law in Australia. It includes a new chapter on insurers responding to class action risk, highlighting the latest developments in the field.
Litigation Funding: The book extensively covers litigation funding, including court scrutiny of arrangements, particularly claimed commissions. It also discusses the evolution of "common fund orders" from the Money Max (2016) decision to the Brewster (2019) decision and subsequent developments.
Legislative Changes: The book addresses legislative changes such as the Corporations Amendment (Litigation Funding) Regulations 2020 (Cth) and the introduction of contingency fees in Victoria from 1 July 2020.
Growth of Shareholder Class Actions: It examines the growth of shareholder class actions and their implications, providing insights into the regulatory environment and the collective vindication of rights.
Plot Summary
The book is structured to offer a comprehensive guide to class action law in Australia. It begins with an overview of the commencement of class actions and proceeds through various stages, including choice of forum, opting-out, conduct, trial, settlement, costs, and funding. The book is designed to be practical, making it an essential resource for legal practitioners involved in class actions.
Critical Reception
The book has received positive reviews for its practicality and comprehensive coverage of class action law in Australia. Here are some key points from available reviews:
Essential Guide: The book is described as an essential guide for any legal practitioner involved in class actions, providing complete coverage of the subject matter.
Landmark Title: It is noted that the book was among the earliest analyses of class actions when first published in 2005 and has been fully updated to reflect the latest developments in the field.
Empirical Information: The book includes the latest empirical information on Australia’s class actions regimes, making it a valuable resource for understanding the current state of class actions law.
Overall, "Class Actions in Australia" by Damian Bernard Grave and Kenneth Alexander Adams is a highly regarded and practical guide to class action law in Australia, offering comprehensive coverage of the subject matter and reflecting the latest developments in the field.