U.S. Code > Appendix to Title 28 > FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE— (§§ Rule_1—) > TITLE VI. TRIALS— (§§ Rule_38—Rule_53) > Rule 42. Consolidation; Separate Trials

Rule 42. Consolidation; Separate Trials

(a) Consolidation. If actions before the court involve a common question of law or fact, the court may:
(1) join for hearing or trial any or all matters at issue in the actions;
(2) consolidate the actions; or
(3) issue any other orders to avoid unnecessary cost or delay.
(b) Separate Trials. For convenience, to avoid prejudice, or to expedite and economize, the court may order a separate trial of one or more separate issues, claims, crossclaims, counterclaims, or third-party claims. When ordering a separate trial, the court must preserve any federal right to a jury trial.