Lawyers for nearly 3,000 RUC officers seeking multimillion-pound compensation have agreed to the case proceeding as a group action.
The officers, some of whom have since left the force, are claiming damages from the Chief Constable and the Police Authority for trauma during 30 years of the Troubles. They claim they suffered personal injury as a result of the failure to diagnose or treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mr Justice Coghlin has taken charge of the case in the Belfast High Court, which is not expected to come to trial for at least two years.
The action is proceeding in the name of Wayne Charles McClurg, a former detective constable. The names of all the other claimants will be added to his writ.
Mr Brian Fee, one of three QCs acting for the claimants, said a meeting of the different legal firms involved would be held in August to sort out the "nuts and bolts" of the case and the cost-sharing agreement.
Mr Justice Coghlin said he would review the case on September 18th.