Description
Book SynopsisThis work argues that common law works far better than commonly understood. It contends that while the system can and does produce "wrong" results, it is very difficult for it to make flatly irrational decisions. It explains why common law may be more necessary than ever.
Trade ReviewA classic demonstration of why democracy and citizen participation are crucial to fair, effective, accountable governance. This book is essential reading for every citizen. -- Scott Harshbarger,President of Common Cause
A sorely needed corrective to the ceaselessly negative, factually distorted tirades aimed at the torts system by those seeking to prevent victims from shifting the costs of accidents to responsible wrongdoers. -- Joseph A. Page,Georgetown University Law Center
An intellectual triumph. Carl Bogus not only debunks the political mythologies of & tort reform but rises eloquently to the defense of centuries of American common law. The unsung citizen jury has found a lucid champion in Professor Bogus, who tells a gripping story about the history of civil justice in our nation. This is a stirring and visionary work. -- Jamin B. Raskin,American University
Why Lawsuits are Good for America is lively, provocative, and well researched. Professor Bogus does an excellent job of debunking lawsuit "horror stories" that have been promoted by some academics and all too many politicians. This ambitious book makes a persuasive argument that juries are not out of control, but rather play an important role in American government. Anyone who has heard of the McDonalds hot coffee case should read this book. -- Ross Cheit,Brown University
With gripping tales and careful analysis, Carl Bogus demonstrates that some of the greatest public safety innovations in the last century, such as dramatic improvements in automobile safety, were spawned not through legislation or regulation, but through private lawsuits demanding corporate accountability. More effectively and engagingly than anything I have read in some time, Why Lawsuits Are Good for America challenges what we thought we knew about tort law and makes clear why we should care. -- Jon D. Hanson,Harvard Law School
