Voters Worry About Corporate Crime, Support Pro-Civil Justice Politicians
An important American Association for Justice poll reveals that voters are significantly worried about corporate malfeasance -- especially regarding the pharmaceutical industry -- and aren't likely to rally behind political candidates who advocate tort reform. Less than a quarter of those polled believed that juries award too much money to victims of personal injury.
Among other important findings:
- "Americans are deeply worried about their nation’s future, and concern about corporate misconduct is a major source of their anxiety. 'Worried swing voters,' who see corporate irresponsibility as a central problem, may play a pivotal role in the 2008 election.
- Voters support the civil justice system as an important remedy for corporate misconduct, and reject legal 'reforms' that restrict plaintiffs’ ability to hold corporations accountable and obtain fair restitution.
- Voters will support candidates who defend the civil system over candidates who assail 'frivolous lawsuits' and advocate 'tort reform.' Pro-civil justice candidates not only command overwhelming support from swing voters, but also appeal to significant blocks of Republicans."
- A "lost pants" lawsuit that shows the legal system isn't frivolous
- A lack of data supporting "tort reform" measures
- Whether there are too many defective product lawsuits
