Chamber Urges Fairness, Justice in Madison County Courts

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform and a coalition of national, state and local organizations called on the Illinois Supreme Court and state lawmakers to restore fairness and justice in the courts of Madison County.

"We are here to shine a light on the litigation madness that has gripped Madison County, Illinois," said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue, speaking from the Madison County courthouse steps. "These courts are the black sheep of the Illinois legal system - with a reputation that hurts the cause of justice and the pursuit of economic development."

The coalition unveiled "The Madison County Manifesto," a set of 10 fundamental legal principles that it urged the courts in Madison County, the Illinois Supreme Court and the state's legislators to embrace. The "Manifesto" addresses such issues as venue, class action certification, proportionate liability, and limitations on damage awards and appeal bonds.

Madison County has more class action filings per capita than any other county in America. Thirty-nine class actions have been filed so far this year, a record-setting pace. The county also is home to some of the largest damage awards in the country, including the recent $10.1 billion verdict against a tobacco company and a $250 million award to a single plaintiff in an asbestos case that had no ties to the county or to the state.

"The lawsuit epidemic in Madison County is an economic liability to the state of Illinois and a red flag to companies from around the world," Donohue said. "An unfavorable legal system deters economic development and job growth." He pointed out the urgent need for Illinois to stimulate business investment and job creation to help make up for the 46,000 jobs lost in the last year.

The United States Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region. The mission of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform is to make America's legal system simpler, fairer and faster for everyone.

Editors Note: The "Manifesto" is available online. www.legalreformnow.com

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