Multidistrict litigation is a legal procedure in United States federal courts in which lawsuits involving similar issues (common issues of fact) are consolidated in one court (called the MDL court) for the purpose of convenience and efficiency in pretrial matters, such as discovery. These lawsuits are generally returned to their original federal district courts for trial. Claims that are often the subject of multidistrict litigation are product liability claims against pharmaceutical companies, securities fraud cases, and airplane crashes.

In Mississippi, as in other states, multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a federal legal procedure that consolidates multiple lawsuits involving common factual issues to improve efficiency and convenience during pretrial proceedings. This process is governed by federal law, specifically 28 U.S.C. § 1407. While the state courts of Mississippi do not directly engage in MDL, Mississippians involved in federal lawsuits that share common issues with cases in other jurisdictions may find their cases transferred to the designated MDL court. After pretrial matters, such as discovery and motions, are addressed, the cases are typically sent back to their original federal district courts for trial. MDL is commonly used for complex cases like product liability suits involving pharmaceuticals, securities fraud, and major accidents like airplane crashes. It's important to note that MDL is distinct from class action lawsuits and is managed by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, which decides whether cases should be consolidated under MDL and where the consolidated proceedings should be held.