Additional parties may be brought in when their presence is required to grant relief, and jurisdiction can be obtained.

Additional parties may be brought in when their presence is required to grant relief, and jurisdiction can be obtained.

• A. When presence of parties other than those to the original action is required for granting relief, court shall order them to be brought in as defendants if jurisdiction can be obtained
• B. Only with written consent of all parties
• C. Only after completion of discovery
• D. Only if the court deems it appropriate for efficiency

Answer: (A)

Compulsory joinder of necessary parties under the NC Rules. When someone is necessary to obtain complete relief in the action, and the court can obtain jurisdiction over that person, the party must be brought into the suit. This rule ensures the court can grant full and binding relief in one proceeding and prevents inconsistent obligations or protection gaps for anyone with an interest affected by the judgment. If the presence of such a party is required and the court has or can obtain jurisdiction, they should be added as a party—typically as a defendant if their involvement is adverse to the existing parties—so the dispute can be resolved in a single action. If jurisdiction over the added party cannot be obtained, the court may proceed without them or take other steps allowed by Rule 19 (such as dismissal or severance).

Compulsory joinder of necessary parties under the NC Rules. When someone is necessary to obtain complete relief in the action, and the court can obtain jurisdiction over that person, the party must be brought into the suit. This rule ensures the court can grant full and binding relief in one proceeding and prevents inconsistent obligations or protection gaps for anyone with an interest affected by the judgment. If the presence of such a party is required and the court has or can obtain jurisdiction, they should be added as a party—typically as a defendant if their involvement is adverse to the existing parties—so the dispute can be resolved in a single action. If jurisdiction over the added party cannot be obtained, the court may proceed without them or take other steps allowed by Rule 19 (such as dismissal or severance).