Senate tries again to limit class-action lawsuits (debate on 7/7/04)

[papau]

Senate tries again to limit class-action lawsuits

Senators debated the Class Action Fairness Act, which Republicans (exposing Edwards pro-litigation, anti-civil justice reform agenda) see as their best chance to rein in large court awards against their business allies.

BY JIM ABRAMS Associated Press


WASHINGTON - The Republican-controlled Senate began a new effort Tuesday to restrict class-action lawsuits that corporations contend are little more than get-rich schemes for trial lawyers.<snip>

The bill would move more class-action lawsuits, in which one person or a small group represents the interests of a class of people in court, out of state courts and into federal courts. Juries in state courts sometimes agree to huge penalties, but federal courts tend to accept fewer cases and grant smaller rewards.

The legislation also is aimed at reducing venue shopping, the practice of attorneys who seek to have cases tried in courts known for handing down huge damage awards.

''The most important aspect of it is it will put an end to class-action lawsuits that have national significance but they are decided in some Podunk county in some state of the nation like Madison County, Illinois,'' said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa.<snip>

Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle said the bill was ''one of the worst anti-consumer pieces of legislation that we will see in this Congress'' because it would help businesses escape judgments for wrongdoing.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/nation/9094007.htm?1c

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. Democrats should bring up asbestos and Libby Montana

There is a great book everyone should read called "An Air that Kills" that details the destruction of this mining town...the deaths and disease that have killed entire families including one of Marc Racicot's relatives while the scum bag HELPED coverup the condition (more of those Republican family values)

[Tellurian]

2. Yeah, just think Erin Brockovich! nt

[papau]

3. I'm too old to really "appreciate" Erin - but she is a good looking lady!

and a fearless crusader against the corporate, anything for the bottom line, felons to be that run our US corporations these days.

:-)

[Tellurian]

7. I admire her guts and resolve to get the job done!

She is the real deal, albeit trashy chic...

She used it to her advantage when she needed the damning evidence.

Street smart..I like her!

umm..papau, what is your definition of, "too old?":)

[Mel]

4. Landreau, Schumer, and Dodd voting for this bill

and let us not forget Miller as heard on Air America Radio.

See this thread http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1939870

[yankeeinlouisiana]

5. This hasn't passed yet?

Has it?? I was going to call Mary today and yell at her about her vote for that idiot judge yesterday, now I have something else to yell at her about!! I want a real dem for my senator!!

[Justitia]

6. Landreau again??? Aaarrrgghhh!

She is really pissing me off this week!
What is with her????

[Lars39]

9. Landreau is a New Democrat.

[Justitia]

10. Ugh, how could I forget. Get me a bucket.

:puke:

[PaDUer]

8. These repukes are trying to limit or stop

the lawsuits because they've got tons of stock involved in the companies...As an example, Dow Corning/Dow Chemical = Agent Orange, Silicone breast implants....Baxter company, who also made breast implants--Guess who has lots of stock in that company-- * ! Yes, he certainly does own stock in Baxter. And remember, Texas is where the implants started..
They've lied to everyone, veterans, women/men/children..They knew years ago what effect these chemicals would have on people and their offspring and continue their charade and coverups. I can go on and on about all these companies, but, it's time these senators, congressmen, and everyone involved, be held accountable and stop stuffing their pockets from bribes.

[Sandpiper]

11. Just another favor to their corporate paymasters

Corporations want no responsibility for the harm their products cause, and the Repukes and Corporate Dems are happy to oblige.

Yet another screw you to ordinary people.

[2Design]

12. I told my senator I was against it and he said he loved it...

so he does not represent me...

[PaDUer]

13. You should ask him

how much he's received in kickbacks...that's WHY he loves it so much!

[BayCityProgressive]

14. Landriue

is a corporatist. He rsister is a lobbyist for oil companies and she has voted to drill in alaska. Now this. I am glad Daschle is finally standing up to something..Hopefully this piece of shit doesnt pass.

[PaDUer]

15. lobbyist = bribes n/t

[2Design]

16. george allen of virginia seems to be farther right than rw

he votes with RW wishes and against the people on everything that I can tell... .

loved the hate discriminatin the state governemtn wrote into the constitution here...

when governor...barred anyone who was not married from getting houseing loans....

yes he is special....and the more you read about him...the more you wonder why god created this one...