Simple Joinder Q

[croggs]

I'm pretty confident I should know this, but here it goes. Do the joinder rules apply only to "claims" or do they also apply for "causes of action."

For example, if a dude files a complaint and lists 5 causes of action with several different parties, do the joinder rules need to be met at this time? Or, do you only apply the joinder rules if another claim/party is added after the initial complaint?

Thanks in advance!

[alicrimson]

Is the plaintiff trying to bring all five causes of action in one claim? If so, Rule 20 would likely cover this sort of thing. Atleast as far as I can tell...Its like joining defendants. I don't have my rules in front of me at the second but if they arise out of the same facts, I think you can do this sort of thing as long as it doesn't screw up your SMJ.

[lawnerd1]

Look at FRCP 18(a) and 20(a)(2)