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Tort Reform: An Overview of State Legislative Efforts to Improve the Civil Justice System

A perennial battle waged in state capitols around the country involves trying to bring some semblance of order and efficiency to the civil justice system.

For several years, the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has spearheaded efforts to promote the need for tort reform in the states. Often, they have been joined in that effort by members of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), who have advocated model legislative acts.

This overview is NAMIC's attempt to catalog those efforts by compiling grids covering nine civil justice issues. They include: appeal bond reforms, the collateral source rule, joint and several liability, the Sunshine Act, class action reform, jury service, non-economic damages, prejudgment interest and intrastate forum shopping reforms.

We hope these grids become a useful resource for you as you follow these issues in the states. Questions should be directed to David Reddick, NAMIC's Associate Director - Public Policy.

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