What does the term "joinder" refer to in legal terminology?

The term "joinder" in legal terminology is best understood as the joining of two or more legal issues or parties in one lawsuit. This concept is crucial in the legal process as it allows for efficiency in litigation by combining related claims or parties into one case, which can help avoid inconsistent judgments and reduce the burden on the court system.

For instance, if multiple parties have claims arising from the same event or transaction, they can be joined in a single lawsuit. This is beneficial because it allows all relevant issues to be resolved together rather than through separate lawsuits, which could lead to conflicting outcomes. Joinder is often seen in cases where multiple plaintiffs or defendants are involved, enabling a comprehensive resolution to the conflicts at hand.

Understanding this concept is essential for anyone participating in civil litigation, as it can significantly impact case strategy and the management of legal resources.