Class Action

Class Action

When properly used, class action lawsuits can be a valuable part of the legal system. Class action lawsuits were originally designed to benefit consumers by allowing them to more easily join together and seek efficient legal relief as a group or “class” of individuals who have all been affected by a single event or circumstance. In recent years, however, the class action system has become severely abused.

Issues/Research: Class Action

The Trial Lawyers Enron

Source: Wall Street Journal | Released: Jul 07, 2005

Skewering the Lawyers: Congress Deals a Blow to Class Actions

Dickie Scruggs, a Mississippi trial lawyer who led the charge against Big Tobacco in the 1990s, helping 46 states win a $246 billion settlement, once described the features of a "magic jurisdiction" in America's tort system.

Source: The Economist
Released: Feb 19, 2005

Skewering the Lawyers: Congress Deals a Blow to Class Actions

Source: The Economist | Released: Feb 19, 2005

Class Action Fairness Act of 2005

To amend the procedures that apply to consideration of interstate class actions to assure fairer outcomes for class members and defendants, and for other purposes.

Source: Public Law 109?2
Released: Feb 18, 2005

Remarks by the President at Signing of the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005

Source: White House Press Office | Released: Feb 18, 2005

Class-Action Bill Passes in Congress

Source: Bloomberg | Released: Feb 17, 2005

Business Roundtable Commends Prompt Congressional Action

Source: Business Roundtable | Released: Feb 03, 2005

The Rogue Courts of Madison County

In recent years, Madison County, a small county in southwestern Illinois, has increasingly gained a reputation as a claimant’s heaven, a place where lawsuits are given a sympathetic ear by friendly trial judges, generous juries, and equally receptive appellate courts.

Source: Institute for Legal Reform
Released: Jun 05, 2003