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Saturday, November 2, 2024

Louisiana Coalition for Common Sense coordinator sees need for civil justice reform in state

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The Louisiana Coalition for Common Sense, Grow Louisiana Coalition and Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse recently sponsored a luncheon during which the worsening legal climate in the state of Louisiana was discussed.

The focus of the luncheon, was to determine how to create a more business-friendly legal climate in the state, a goal that the organizations involved in the gathering agree is of paramount importance. 

The event featured a panel moderated by Stephen Waguespack, president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), a Jan. 24 posting on watchdog.org said.


Jim Harris of Louisiana Coalition for Common Sense | Courtesy of Coalition for Common Sense

Waguespack highlighted the need for more checks and balances in the judiciary, which would give business associations the ability to critique judges who fail to perform their duties when it comes to administering justice, the posting said. He also explained a new "boot camp" initiative LABI will be holding to help educate business-minded individuals on the principles of running for local office. 

LABI, the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association and Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association listed as event supporters of the luncheon, the posting said.

Jim Harris, coordinator with the Louisiana Coalition for Common Sense, was at the luncheon. He recently spoke with the Louisiana Record and commented on the tasks facing the business community as improvements to the legal system are being sought. 

“We’re talking about the need to do a number of things in the civil justice reform area," Harris said. "Perhaps allowing the courts to consider whether someone has a seat belt on or not during an accident."

Harris said that as the legal system currently stands, it is far too easy to file a lawsuit for damages in the state, opening the floodgates for corruption in terms of plaintiff attorneys and settlement demands.  

"There are a number of small issues we hope to confront this year, but, quite frankly, we are talking to legislators and legislative candidates about what we can do next year, and what we can do then to address the larger problems in the state’s litigation system,” he said.

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