Improper joinder by itself does not usually result in dismissal of the entire case, as Rule 21 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure expressly states that misjoinder is not a ground for dismissal; instead, courts may drop or add parties at any time on just terms to ensure procedural fairness. However, if the misjoinder leads to serious procedural defects, prejudice, or improper venue, specific claims or parties may be dismissed under Rule 19 or equivalent provisions when indispensable parties are missing, or if joinder destroys jurisdictional validity. In practice, experienced lawyers mitigate these risks by identifying indispensable parties early, ensuring all real parties in interest are included, and promptly moving to amend pleadings to correct joinder errors before trial. Procedural safeguards include verifying jurisdictional standing, using affidavits to justify each party’s inclusion, avoiding tactical joinders, and cooperating with courts when directed to correct misjoinders—measures that preserve the case’s legality and avoid dismissal or appeals on technical grounds.
