What does the term 'joinder of parties' refer to?

The term 'joinder of parties' refers specifically to the addition of parties to an existing lawsuit, particularly when those parties have a legal connection to the issues at hand. This process ensures that all relevant individuals or entities who may have an interest in the outcome of the case are included in the proceedings. It helps in promoting judicial efficiency and fairness, as it allows all parties affected by a particular set of facts or legal issues to be heard in a single action rather than through multiple separate lawsuits.

For instance, if multiple plaintiffs have similar claims against a defendant regarding the same incident, they may join their cases to have their claims adjudicated together, which streamlines the process and conserves judicial resources. This concept is fundamental in civil procedure, particularly in Queensland, where the Rules of Court often provide the framework for such joinder.

Other options do not accurately define 'joinder of parties.' Merging two lawsuits into one refers to consolidation, which can be a related but distinct concept. Negotiation of terms between opposing parties relates more to settlement discussions rather than the joinder process. Dismissing a case due to lack of evidence pertains to case termination, which is unrelated to the idea of adding parties to a lawsuit.