CLINTON FIGHTS LAWSUIT REFORMS

  • Share
  • Read Later
The Clinton Administration today announced its opposition to two Republican legal reform bills. The legislation would make it harder for plaintiffs to win punitive damages in lawsuits concerning harmful products and would limit the amounts they could collect, while in some cases requiring the losers to pay the other side's legal fees. The Administration described the bills as "too extreme" and "unreasonable" because they would discourage ordinary Americans from suing big companies that could run up vast legal tabs defending themselves -- bills that the consumers might have to pay. House Speaker Newt Gingrich said the legislation would not prevent people from bringing legitimate claims, but would stop them from "blackmailing" companies into out-of-court settlements. The House is expected to vote on both bills this week.