For a complete version of this document, download the
following PDF file. [Use Acrobat Reader 4.0]:
Advertisements:
Print Ad: Class
Action Lawsuits
|
What follows is the first
section of this document. You may download the entire document
by selecting the Portable Document Format link on the left
side of this screen
Print Ad: Class Action Lawsuits
Federal courts have a long history of protecting the
interests of people involved in interstate controversies.
After all, that’s why federal courts were created. However,
class action suits weren’t contemplated when the original
federal court system was established.
Currently, class action attorneys file interstate cases in
state courts predisposed to more favorable outcomes. This
"jurisdiction shopping" has created a tidal wave of class
actions in a few states. Other states lose sovereignty,
defendants lose rights and consumers pay for it all with
higher prices on goods and services.
The Interstate Class Action Fairness Act (S. 353) will
change that. Along with a parallel bill already passed by the
House (H.R. 1875), the act allows interstate class actions to
be heard in federal courts, courts with a reputation for
protecting consumers’ and defendants’ rights.
June 15, 2000
Back to
Top |