Public Nuisance Lawsuits Spiraling Out of Control
This past year, public nuisance lawsuits have spiraled out of control in California. Cities like San Diego, Berkeley and Los Angeles have been convinced to sue U.S. companies for enormous sums. Trial lawyers, looking to win big, scour the state and the nation for potential plaintiffs and then recruit municipalities to partner with them to […]
Governor Wise to Address Prop. 65’s Flaws
Governor Jerry Brown has shown a growing interest in reforming laws that are leading to abusive litigation in California. Last year he signed a bill to cut down on Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuits. This year he made reforming the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) a top priority because CEQA lawsuits have been blocking important […]
Warning: Voting for Proposition 37 May Result in Serious Financial Harm
The genetically engineered food labeling initiative on the November ballot – Proposition 37 – should give us all a case of déjà vu. In 1986, California voters approved Proposition 65, another labeling initiative that required warning signs in areas where people could come into contact with chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. Chances […]
Just Don’t Do it: Public Prosecutors Should Avoid Partnering with Plaintiffs’ Attorneys
Public prosecutors are entrusted with a unique and powerful responsibility. They are given the authority to protect the public interest while maintaining a neutral, impartial commitment to ensuring that justice be done. That is the motivating factor that drives their actions – that justice be done – whether that consists of large financial awards or […]