Opinion ID: 1598888
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Conditional Class-Certification Review

Text: We note at the outset that the [trial] court maintains substantial discretion in determining whether to certify a class action, a decision we review only for abuse. Allison v. Citgo Petroleum Corp., 151 F.3d 402, 408 (5th Cir.1998). This Court is not in the position of deciding the merits of this action today. The question of class certification is a procedural one distinct from the merits of the action. Garcia v. Gloor, 618 F.2d 264, 267 (5th Cir.1980), cert. den., 449 U.S. 1113, 101 S.Ct. 923, 66 L.Ed.2d 842 (1981). Based on our analysis of the four elements required for class-action certification in Alabama, we conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in certifying the class action under Rules 23(b)(1) and (b)(2), except as to Mr. Kenney's claims alleging fraud, bad-faith failure to pay a claim, and breach of contract. Those claims were inappropriate for class action treatment under Rule 23(b)(1) and (b)(2).