In an era of democratic strain and institutional distrust, the role of private litigation in shaping public life has taken on renewed significance. From mass torts and consumer class actions to strategic lawsuits in areas like climate harm, data privacy, and corporate misconduct, private legal action is increasingly deployed to shape public outcomes. But does this form of litigation enhance democratic participation and accountability-or does it undermine representative institutions by relocating contested policy questions to the courts? This panel features works in progress and scholarly reflection on whether and how private litigation serves as a democratic practice.