House Panel OKs Fines for Frivolous Lawsuits...... Reuters

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=politicsNews&storyID=6185299§ion=news

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A bill slapping fines on lawyers for filing frivolous lawsuits was approved on Wednesday by a U.S. House of Representatives panel, acting on a priority President Bush highlighted at last week's Republican party convention.

The Republican-dominated House Judiciary Committee passed the proposal on an 18-10 party line vote, and committee aides said it would be on the floor of the chamber next week.

The House measure is the latest in a series of Republican attempts at cracking down on lawsuit excesses.

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hummmmm, I wonder if this will apply to SLAP suits brought by corporations and "member groups" like NRA, and National Beef Growers, and such?


Somehow, I doubt it.

[rooboy]

1. At least this should stop Bill O'Reilly. n/t

[goforit]

6. Nahhh!!!!........O'rielly is their pet pit-bull!!!

He gets what ever he wants!!!

[Cobalt Violet]

2. I doubt it too.

They just want to take the right to a day in court away from regular people. They people they don't like.

[WMliberal]

3. did they define frivolous?

or was it just targeted at what their owners want?

[no_hypocrisy]

4. This is superficial posturing.

In order to be a frivolous lawsuit, there cannot be ANY merit in the cause of action, meaning either there is no evidence to back up a claim or no law exists to address your wrong. There just isn't anything to talk about or debate.

In many states, under the aegis of ethics, attorneys are discouraged from filing frivolous lawsuits, to the tune of treble damages (three times the amount awarded to the wronged defendant), and other sanctions.

This does not happen very often.

What the * Administration refers to as "frivolous lawsuits" is their way of saying patients injured by their healing physicians should learn that doctors are only human and can make mistakes. And hey, not all babies born are going to be perfect. And pollution gives a certain tang to the water you drink. You get the idea. Complaining about getting justice is frivolous and waste of time addressing in court.

I don't think this law will survive a court challenge, at least the way they want it interpreted.

[DU9598]

5. Fairness

Then slap big fines on insurance company lawyers and defense firms who assert frivilous defenses!!!!

If a corporate lawyer argues a silly defense and loses the case, why not fine them? Could it be that they represent the powerful, moneyed interests?

More absurd every day!

[Rose Siding]

7. dupe

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x811473

[GarySeven]

8. Judges have been fining lawyers for years

over filing frivolous suits -- REAL frivolous suits, which are those that have spurrious or no legal merit. The Republican definition of a frivolous suit is one that forces a corporation to defend its actions to a group of ordinary consumers (jurors).

[Moderator]

9. Duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x811473