California’s Legal System Among Worst According to U.S. Chamber

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

By Steve Shadley and KPBS Public Broadcasting

Audio

Aired 4/19/09

There's a survey out today that shows California's legal system is among the worst in the nation for businesses.  From Sacramento Steve Shadley reports that the study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ranks each state based on attorney interviews and the outcome of class action lawsuits.

In a telephone conference call with reporters, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue announced that California's legal climate isn't always good for economic growth.  He says one problem is California courts typically allow evidence and testimony -- that he calls Junk Science -- that is science he says is not based wholly on fact.
Donohue: You can get into a case here and we'll find somebody to give the court some argument with what we would call a frivolous and extraodinary judgment involving science that a rational person would not think is appropriate.
Donohue is urging lawmakers in California and other states to consider legislation that would make it harder to permit so-called "junk Science" from entering the courtroom. 

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