The Return of Jackpot Justice | RealClearPolicy

The Return of Jackpot Justice | RealClearPolicy
"Recently, RealClear held a dinner discussion on the issue of Jackpot Justice — a big problem of the 90’s, which, we thought, had been addressed.

• News Alert: A recent Texas decision just might bring back this practice of seeking whopping judgments unconnected to the cost of actual damages, or an underlying crime, or negligence.

...What I call the “magic jurisdiction,” . . . [is] where the judiciary is elected with verdict money.
The trial lawyers have established relationships with the judges that are elected; they’re State Court judges; they’re populists.
They’ve got large populations of voters who are in on the deal, they’re getting their piece in many cases.
And so, it’s a political force in their jurisdiction, and it’s almost impossible to get a fair trial if you’re a defendant in some of these places. 
The plaintiff lawyer walks in there and writes the number on the blackboard, and the first juror meets the last one coming out the door with that amount of money. . .
The cases are not won in the courtroom.
They’re won on the back roads long before the case goes to trial. 
...After hearing about this new case, we have public reason for concern..."
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