*Q. Rule 31 (Codal) Consolidation

Question 1

Sec. 1

Answer 1

*actions involving a common question of law or fact
*pending before the court,
* a. joint hearing or trial of any or all the matters in issue in the actions
b. it may order all the actions consolidated
c. it may make such orders concerning proceedings therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or delay.

Section 1. Consolidation. - When actions involving a common question of law or fact are pending before the court, it may order a joint hearing or trial of any or all the matters in issue in the actions; it may order all the actions consolidated; and it may make such orders concerning proceedings therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or delay.

Question 2

Section 2. Separate trials.

Answer 2

*in furtherance of convenience
*to avoid prejudice
*may order a separate trial of any claim, cross-claim, counterclaim, or third-party complaint

The court, in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice, may order a separate trial of any claim, cross-claim, counterclaim, or third-party complaint, or of any separate issue or of any number of claims, cross[-]claims, counterclaims, third-party complaints or issues.