Under what circumstances can defendants be added to ongoing litigation in Georgia?

The option that states defendants can be added to ongoing litigation in Georgia when the claims arise out of the same transaction or occurrence is correct, as it reflects a fundamental principle of judicial economy and fairness in the legal process. This principle is rooted in the idea that it is more efficient and just to resolve all related claims and parties in a single proceeding rather than having separate lawsuits.

When new defendants are added under these circumstances, it allows the court to address all aspects of the case together and prevents the possibility of inconsistent verdicts or multiple trials concerning the same events. This aligns with Georgia’s rules for joining parties and claims, aiming to streamline litigation and enhance judicial efficiency.

Factors such as shared legal representation or the existence of new evidence do not inherently create a basis for joining additional defendants. Shared legal representation does not necessarily imply that the claims against the new defendants are related to those of existing defendants, and new evidence alone does not justify adding defendants without a direct connection to the original claim. Therefore, the emphasis on the transaction or occurrence connection is the critical element that supports the ability to add defendants in the context provided.