StarKist Tuna Spat Opens Can of Questions About Class Actions

Welcome back to Opening Argument, a reported column where I dig into interesting issues in high-profile cases and unpack disputes that are dividing appeals courts. Today: a look at a general rule for class actions that courts disagree on whether to follow.

StarKist still has to fight off a horde of angry tuna customers in a class action even though nearly a third of the class may not have actually paid more for their chicken of the sea.

In affirming a trial court’s decision to certify three classes—consumers, restaurants, and large retailers—to sue the tuna supplier and its parent ...