House Backs Bill to Deter Frivolous Lawsuits

The House of Representatives passed The Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2017 on Friday by a vote of 230-188 writes the Associated Press.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) would change Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to remove judicial discretion from the decision to impose sanctions when a party makes a frivolous claim in court.

“When this bill becomes law, it will hold plaintiffs’ lawyers accountable for filing frivolous claims so they cannot simply withdraw a lawsuit without consequence, resulting in fewer bogus lawsuits,” said Lisa A. Rickard, President of the Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform.