The Bush administration is sympathetic to principles behind
product liability reform.
Product liability reform to stop "junk lawsuits" was a plank in George W.
Mistreatment of uninformed consumers of legal services, legal protection for educators, sanctions to deter the filing of baseless claims,
product liability reform, reasonable limits on multiple imposition of punitive damages, and curbs on class action abuse are among the most pressing issues demanding fair and balanced legislation.
The
Product Liability Reform Act of 1997, however, should not escape close constitutional scrutiny.
However, early speculation indicates that
product liability reform similar to this year's proposal could be enacted during a second Clinton term.
So if he is reelected, there is little likelihood that
product liability reform can be realized in the next four years.
This year is no exception with
product liability reform again on the agenda.
Two separate versions of
product liability reform legislation have been passed by Congress so far this year - one in the House and one in the Senate - but differences in the bills are so significant that there is growing concern about the ability of Congressional negotiators to finalize the issue.
economy as a whole, existing analyses of the decline in American general aviation and the potential impact of
product liability reform are largely inadequate.
of Trial Lawyers of America and consumer groups argue that
product liability reform would hurt people injured by irresponsible corporations and question why federal lawmakers should restrict state courts.
Earlier this year, the Illinois legislature passed a comprehensive tort reform bill, the Wisconsin Senate passed a bill capping medical malpractice claims, and the South Dakota Senate passed a
product liability reform bill.
The Federal
Product Liability Reform Act was filibustered to death but may be resurrected in the next Congress.
