NORTHEAST DEBATE: Tort Reform

[Colin]

I would like to see some sort of loser pays provision in this Tort Reform bill. I will try and make an amendment when I get home today.

[Colin]

I have an amendment to propose.

Section 4. The loser of the said lawsuit is hereby required to pay the legal fees of the winning party up to a reasonable maximum.
                 A. A reasonable maximum shall be defined to be $750,000.
                 B. This reasonable maximum may be changed at any time by the Northeast Assembly.

[Colin]

I have an amendment to propose.

Section 4. The loser of the said lawsuit is hereby required to pay the legal fees of the winning party up to a reasonable maximum.
                 A. A reasonable maximum shall be defined to be $750,000.
                 B. This reasonable maximum may be changed at any time by the Northeast Assembly.

Although I feel that $750K may be a little high, I am in favor of the amendment in principle.

Well lawyer fees themselves are very high. I've heard that some lawyers get paid upwards $450 an hour and if a case goes on for a normal period of time then it could easily get up to $750,000. Also we are trying to prevent frivolous lawsuits and when a person sees that they could be paying over $700,000 will dissuade them unless they really think that their case is good enough to actually either get a settlement or win.

[Colin]

I have a procedural question for the Governor: is it necessary to hold a vote on the amendment? Since no-one has objected to it yet, it might be appropriate for the amendment to be deemed passed by unanimous consent. Then, we could simply proceed directly to the vote on the bill.

Of course, if this suggestion contravenes either the Constitution or the past practice of the region, I withdraw it.

No its usual procedure to vote on any amendments even if their has been no objection.

[Colin]

Aye

[Colin]

I would like to open the vote on this tonight if thats alright with everyone.

Fine by me.