Iowa Citizen Action Network

Civil Justice and Consumer Protection

Civil Justice Letter to the Editor

Cedar Rapids Gazette, January 2, 2003

I beg to differ with columnist Mike Deupree's rant against the civil justice system. (A look to the future: Who gets sued next?--December 19) The civil justice system is the last, best defense against bad medical care, unsafe products and unscrupulous business practices. Special interest groups already control the legislative branch of our government. The last thing we need is for the same to happen to our judicial branch.

Think of all the social benefits that have been derived from consumer lawsuits over the years. Fireproof pajamas instead of the old fire traps that used to occasionally incinerate infants and toddlers. Garage door safety devices so kids aren't crushed by closing doors. Safety caps on containers so children won't ingest harmful substances. Safety strips and support bars in bathtubs, so elderly and infirm people don't slip and injure themselves. Safer medical devices and patient care protocols. The list goes on and on.

The civil justice system saves lives and spurs product innovation, at only a small cost to the manufacturers. I don't understand why anyone would mockingly disparage the system, as Deupree did. Let us not forget that there are people who are in charge of deciding if a lawsuit is frivolous. They are called judges.

Jim McClanahan
Canvass Director
Iowa Citizen Action Network
132 1/2 E Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 354-8116