Final answer:
In a civil dispute with multiple defendants, each defendant can be separately liable for the harm caused, while in a representative proceeding, the group as a whole is seeking resolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
In civil law cases, multiple defendants can bring a dispute against one defendant, whereas in a representative proceeding, one or more plaintiffs bring a case on behalf of a group of people with similar claims. In a civil dispute with multiple defendants, each defendant can be separately liable for the harm caused, while in a representative proceeding, the group as a whole is seeking resolution.
For example, in a civil dispute brought by multiple defendants against one defendant, if a car accident involves multiple drivers, each driver can be sued individually by the injured person for the damages caused. On the other hand, in a representative proceeding, a group of people who have been harmed by the same entity, such as a faulty product, can collectively file a lawsuit seeking compensation.