Roundup MDL Court Orders Bifurcation of 3 Bellwether Trials, Says First Phase to Address Causation

SAN FRANCISCO –– The federal court overseeing the national multidistrict litigation docket for Roundup personal injury claims has ruled that it will bifurcate three bellwether trials, concluding that, while this type of bifurcation is unusual and should be done with caution, it is warranted in the underlying circumstances.

In a pretrial order issued Jan. 3, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California explained that a “significant” part of the plaintiffs’ case is accusing Monsanto of attempting to influence regulatory agencies and manipulate public opinion regarding Roundup and glyphosate.

“These issues are relevant to punitive damages …