Congress speeds legal changes: ABA opposes bills, including caps on damages, as harbingers of 'legal chaos'

Article Abstract:

The ABA feels that Congress is rushing tort reform bills through without adequate consideration because of the pressure from Republicans and so are passing many provisions that are ill-advised. Both the tort liability and securities class-action discouragement efforts would infringe on the states' traditional control over tort law and would not resolve difficulties but rather create more. The ABA accepts that the intentions of the legislators are good but feels that the vehicles should be reconsidered to avoid capping punitive damages and making a loser-pays system among other issues.

Analysis, Federalism, Tort reform

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Courting Congress; ABA speaks out for increases in pay, independence for federal judiciary

Article Abstract:

ABA activity in 1997-98 included pressure on longstanding judicial vacancies, on increasing judicial salaries, and on protecting judicial decisional and constitutional independence. As the first session of the 105th Congress finished, ABA victories included approval of the first judicial cost-of-living adjustment in 4 years and 36 judicial nominations. The ABA mounted a nationwide effort to persuade Congress to unlink congressional and judicial compensation as well as various cost-of-living changes for judges. Congress agreed to only a 2.3% adjustment for judges in FY 1998.

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Kids' stuff; prospects brighten for improvements in foster care system

Article Abstract:

The Clinton administration is trying to get an ABA foster care initiative enacted in 1993 as part of an entitlement program aimed at family strengthening and preservation. The ABA proposal includes a program to improve court handling of foster care cases. The ABA also endorses other parts of the entitlement program such as increased Department of Health and Human Services funding for training, research and technical assistance and for Native American groups which submit plans.

Economic aspects, Foster home care, Federal aid to youth services, Government aid to youth services

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