In the News...

A great editorial in the NY Times about excessive amounts of money being spent by special interests on judicial elections and its impact on the justice system. (NY Times)

Just do it! Virginia ponders raising the draconian limit on the amount of compensation injured victims and their families can receive (the limit has not been changed for 15 years). While you are at it VA, you could just eliminate the unfair cap all-together. (Washington Post)

Preemption in Arkansas.  An ongoing case involving a man who claimed he suffered ear damage after he used a hearing device was dismissed on the grounds that the federal law preempted state law in regards to medical devices. (The Morning News)

Sneaking it in there.  In an 11th hour magician-like swap a bad piece of tort "reform" legislation passed Oklahoma's State Judiciary Committee.  Less than 24 hours before the vote, the bill's original language disappeared and in its place appeared 130 pages of tort deform, rights-limiting jargon. (The Journal Record)