A Daubert track schedules general causation expert disclosure, discovery, briefing, and hearing as a separate phase, with individual case work deferred pending the ruling.
It typically follows Science Day and precedes bellwether selection.
Alternative Names:
Science Day and Daubert Track, General Causation Track
Why it Matters?
Sequencing general causation first is the most consequential case management decision in a scientific mass tort, because a defense ruling ends the entire proceeding while a plaintiff ruling removes the defendant's strongest argument. Defendants generally seek early sequencing to obtain that ruling before discovery costs accumulate, while plaintiffs prefer developing the record first. The transferee judge's preference on this point is worth researching before centralization.
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Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Why sequence general causation first?
Do all MDLs use a Daubert track?
