WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) today released its annual Harris Interactive 2005 State Liability Systems Ranking Study, which shows Texas ranked 44 in legal fairness, having risen two places since last year’s study.

“Governor Perry and the Texas legislature did the right thing by enacting comprehensive legal reform in 2003,” said Thomas J. Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. “Texas courts now need to do their part by strictly applying the laws to protect the due process of Texas citizens.”

The overwhelming majority (89 percent) of those surveyed who are familiar with the comprehensive legal reforms passed in Texas in 2003 expect a major or moderate improvement in the state’s legal climate.

The ILR/Harris Interactive survey of more than 1,400 senior corporate attorneys, now in its fourth year, is the preeminent standard by which companies, policymakers and the media judge the legal fairness of states.

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

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