PCCJR Executive Director Curt Schroder discussed the importance of civil justice reform, how an unbalanced legal system negatively impacts taxpayers the economy and our state’s job’s climate, and the upcoming Supreme Court Retention Election on a recent episode of the ‘Behind the Headlines’ program.
During the interview, Schroder explained how over the past decade, Pennsylvania’s appellate courts have trended towards expanding liability in the Commonwealth, to the detriment of job creators and the health care sector.
In addition to broadening the concept of liability, the courts have frequently increased the amount of damages awarded to plaintiffs – increasing costs across the board. In fact, the Supreme Court has expanded liability, damages, venue, or jurisdiction 63% of the time! “Expanded liability exposure means it is more likely you will get sued, if you are sued it will be more likely you will be found liable, if found liable you are likely to pay more in damages, and you are more likely to be sued in a location having nothing to do with the case itself, like Philadelphia”, according to Schroder.
Schroder emphasized that voters have a chance to chart the course of the Supreme Court when they vote on whether to give three justices another term. A retention election is a “yes” or “no” vote on whether the justices should stay on the court. The retention election is on November 4.
PCCJR’s Retention Guide can be found here.
Schroder also noted that throughout the current legislative session, PCCJR has had to play defense when it comes to pushing back against legislative proposals that would only exacerbate Pennsylvania’s overly litigious climate – an environment that has repeatedly given the Commonwealth the unfortunate distinction of being a “Judicial Hellhole.”
‘Behind the Headlines’ takes an in-depth look at issues impacting Pennsylvanians. It is sponsored by the Susquehanna Center for Public Policy. The segment featuring Schroder’s interview can be viewed in its entirety online.