Mar 29, 2024  
Graduate Record 2008-2009 
    
Graduate Record 2008-2009 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

LAW5 663 - Mass Torts


This course presents a comprehensive review of the legal problems and issues associated with the unique, growing phenomenon of mass torts, e.g., tobacco, Agent Orange, Dalkon Shield, asbestos, personal injury litigation, etc. The course will emphasize such issues as determining medical scientific causation (including the issue of expert testimony), consolidation of state and federal litigation in one forum, judicial determination of who should appropriately manage the litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants, and punitive damages. The role of insurance, the unique issue of future claims, the development of procedures for the processing of mass tort claims, and issues associated with congressional intervention will also be covered. Emphasis will also be placed on the recent Federal September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The overriding question of whether the courts can dispense individual justice in cases involving thousands of litigants will be explored.

Prerequisites & Notes
Prerequisite: Torts

Credits: 3