In a split 5-4 decision the U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling regarding the state’s “jurisdiction by consent” statute, in the process opening the flood gates for more out-of-state plaintiffs to bring suit in high-verdict jurisdictions. By way of background, Pennsylvania’s “jurisdiction by consent” statute requires every company that registers to…
Coalition Updates
PCCJR Calls for Immediate Review of Venue Rule Impact
Nearly six months after the medical malpractice venue rule went into effect, the Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform (PCCJR) has formally requested an immediate review by the state Supreme Court’s Civil Procedural Rules Committee on the impact of the rule change. In two separate correspondences with the Committee, PCCJR highlighted data showing a sharp increase in…
Democrats Solidify Control of PA House
Special Elections held in conjunction with the Primary also cemented Democrats’ razor thin majority in the state House of Representatives. The race watched most closely was for the 163rd House District in Delaware County. Both parties had strong interest in the seat – which has a history of flipping between party control – as the outcome would determine…
Primary Election Sets Field for Appellate Court Races
The judicial candidates that will appear on the ballot this November have been finalized. Earlier this week, voters selected Democratic candidate Daniel McCaffery to go up against Republican Carolyn Carluccio, for the one open seat on the state Supreme Court. McCaffery is a Superior Court judge while Carluccio is the President Judge of the Montgomery County Court…
PCCJR Presents “Lifetime Support Award” to Members of General Assembly
The PCCJR Lifetime Support Award is presented to legislators who have a lifetime voting record of 90% or above on civil justice reform issues. Those receiving the award demonstrate a commitment to restoring fairness to civil litigation by preventing liability expansion, frivolous lawsuits, and lawsuit abuse.
The Primary Election in Tomorrow!
Pennsylvania’s Primary Election is tomorrow! This year a number of statewide judicial seats will be on the ballot – including an open seat on the state Supreme Court. Your participation in the election is critical to restoring balance and fairness to the Commonwealth’s judicial system. Unfortunately, over the past five years the state Supreme Court has handed down…