Q&A: Class Action Lawsuit in Court
Class Action Lawsuit in Court
Question
In my opinion, the details of the case and the affidavit are not of public interest, so they were removed. This is a class action lawsuit on behalf of a group of people harmed by a dating website that did not provide proper service and refuses to refund money to those who changed their minds, which apparently is contrary to the law.
The wording of the question that appeared after the affidavit:
(In my personal opinion, I think it is a commandment to do this for the benefit of the public.)
It is important for me to know the Rabbi’s opinion on this matter: halakhically, is this acceptable?
Is there any halakhic problem with filing a class action lawsuit?
Answer
If the question is about turning to the civil courts, in my opinion there is no problem even if the website would agree to go to a religious court.
If the question is about class action lawsuits, I do not see any problem with that. The law allows it, and therefore there is no halakhic problem either. This is a matter of monetary law (contracts and damages), and these are conducted according to the law.
And indeed, if you are helping additional potential victims, you are also thereby fulfilling the commandment of returning a lost item and “do not stand idly by your neighbor’s blood.”
Success to whoever is in the right.