Consolidation

What consolidation means

In practice, you will see consolidation in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.

Where consolidation comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Motion to Consolidate (Fed. R. Civ. P. 42(a)): a request to join separate cases that involve a common question of law or fact. Under Rule 42(a), the court may join the actions for hearing or trial, consolidate them, or issue other orders to avoid unnecessary cost or delay.

How to research the term

First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses consolidation in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.

You can read the official rule text online for free.

Related legal terms

• Complaint: the pleading that starts a civil case by stating the plaintiff's claims and the relief requested.
• Compromise: an agreement settling a disputed claim in which each side gives up something.
• Conclusions of law: the court's rulings on how the law applies to the facts it has found. In a federal bench trial, they are stated separately from the findings of fact under Rule 52(a).
• Conduct: a person's actions or failures to act.

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.