(A)they assert any right to relief jointly, severally, or in the alternative with respect to or arising out of the same transaction, occurrence, or series of transactions or occurrences; and
(B)any question of law or fact common to all plaintiffs will arise in the action.
(2)Defendants
Persons—and any property subject to process in rem—may be joined in one action as defendants if:
(A)any right to relief is asserted against them jointly, severally, or in the alternative with respect to or arising out of the same transaction, occurrence, or series of transactions or occurrences; and
(B)any question of law or fact common to all defendants will arise in the action.
(3)Extent of Relief
Neither a plaintiff nor a defendant need be interested in obtaining or defending against all the relief demanded. The court may grant judgment to one or more of the plaintiffs according to their rights, and against one or more defendants according to their liabilities.
(b) PROTECTIVE MEASURES
The court may issue orders—including an order for separate trials—to protect a party against embarrassment, delay, expense, or other prejudice that arises from including a person against whom the party asserts no claim and who asserts no claim against the party.
Comments
COMMENT TO 2017 AMENDMENTS
Rule 20 has been amended consistent with the 2007 stylistic changes to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 20.
COMMENT
Identical to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 20, except for deletion of reference to admiralty process in the 2nd sentence of section (a) thereof.
Comments
COMMENT TO 2017 AMENDMENTS
Rule 20 has been amended consistent with the 2007 stylistic changes to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 20.
COMMENT
Identical to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 20, except for deletion of reference to admiralty process in the 2nd sentence of section (a) thereof.