Tort Reform

Republicans demonize the legal system. They advocate legislation undermining it because lawsuits protect the public from abuses by Republican corporate constituencies.

Steve Harrison says, "The American civil court system is the finest in the world." He continues, "Sure, there are some frivolous lawsuits. But there are also frivolous defenses raised by unscrupulous manufacturers who hide lethal defects in their pharmaceuticals and cars and other products. That's why we have juries, to decide who is right and wrong."

He adds, "The principal cause of high verdicts is not the legal system. Its shoddy products, incompetent health care providers, dangerous drivers, perilous construction sites and poorly maintained properties etc. The courts must remain open to the "little guy" to make his case. By and large the poor are the victims of these wrongs because they have the most broken sidewalks, the cheapest products, the oldest automobiles and the worst maintained buiuldings. The court system is the great equalizer between the corporate interests and the consumer. The current tort system is perhaps the single most important factor in holding corporate America to high standards in manufacturing."