What role does fairness play in joinder decisions?

Fairness plays a crucial role in joinder decisions because it is essential for ensuring that no party is unfairly prejudiced or disadvantaged by the court's ruling on the inclusion of additional parties or claims in a lawsuit. Courts must carefully consider the implications of joining parties to a case, particularly in how such decisions can affect the rights and interests of all involved.

When a court allows joinder, it aims to promote judicial efficiency and reduce the risk of contradictory verdicts while also protecting the parties' right to a fair trial. The idea is that every party should have the opportunity to present their case fully and should not suffer adverse effects from the joinder of other claims or parties. By focusing on fairness, the court seeks to maintain the integrity of the judicial process and ensure equitable treatment for all parties involved.