A Practice Note outlining the basic framework of federal class actions, governed by Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP). Specifically, this Note includes an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the class action device, class action prerequisites and types, what to do when multiple similar class actions are filed, certification requirements, how a class action is conducted, class action judgments, settling a class action, and issues related to class counsel and attorneys' fees.