Which legal term is used for a lawsuit initiated by individuals on behalf of themselves and others with similar interests?

The term used for a lawsuit initiated by individuals on behalf of themselves and others with similar interests is class-action. This type of legal action allows a group of individuals who have suffered similar harm or have similar claims against a defendant to come together to file a single lawsuit, rather than each person filing individually. This not only makes it more efficient in terms of the judicial process but also provides a means for individuals to pursue claims that might be too small to justify individual lawsuits.

In a class-action lawsuit, one or several representatives will stand in for the interests of the entire class, which can lead to more consistent rulings and settlements. This is particularly useful in cases involving consumer fraud, employment disputes, or environmental issues, where many individuals may be affected by the same issue but may not have the resources to take action independently.

The other terms presented do not accurately describe this type of legal action. A joint lawsuit generally refers to two or more parties joining together in a single action, typically with shared interests but not necessarily representing a broader group. Collective action can be similar but often refers to specific actions under certain statutes like labor laws, and common law suit refers to lawsuits based on established legal precedents but not specifically to those representing groups of individuals with similar claims.