Session will kick off potential years of proceedings against BP

LOS ANGELES - British energy giant BP and victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill go to court for the first time Thursday during a session in Idaho that sets the stage for a potential trial of the century.

The proceedings in Boise, Idaho before the Multidistrict Litigation Panel will examine whether complaints submitted by around 200 plaintiffs can be consolidated, and determine where the hearings should take place and under which judge.