News Should There Be Legal Protections from Frivolous Civil Lawsuits?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the challenges faced by individuals, like Eminem, who are frequently sued and incur substantial legal costs. Participants explore whether there are laws that protect defendants from paying these costs if they are found not liable in civil cases. It is noted that while anyone can sue, there are some protections for defendants, such as the possibility of fines for frivolous lawsuits, the requirement for losing parties to cover the defendant's legal fees, and the potential for countersuits. The conversation also touches on the effectiveness of these protections, particularly in the U.S., where a losing plaintiff may face legal repercussions, including wage garnishment. However, concerns are raised about the practicality of these protections when the suing party lacks the financial means to pay. The discussion highlights the complexities of the legal system regarding civil lawsuits and the potential for misuse of the right to sue.
Smurf
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Just thinking about those people like Eminem who people keep trying to sue, and end up having to pay huge amounts of money in legal bills to defend themselves. I was wondering if there are any laws to protect someone from having to pay this if they are found.. (whatever the civil-law equivalent of not-guilty is) anywhere, and wether anyone thinks we should/shouldn't have one.
 
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Smurf said:
Just thinking about those people like Eminem who people keep trying to sue, and end up having to pay huge amounts of money in legal bills to defend themselves. I was wondering if there are any laws to protect someone from having to pay this if they are found.. (whatever the civil-law equivalent of not-guilty is) anywhere, and wether anyone thinks we should/shouldn't have one.
Anybody can sue ... It's a right.

However, there are a few things protecting the 'defendant':

The person can be fined for presenting a frivilous or malicious lawsuit.
The person who loses is often required to pay the defendant's costs.
The person suing opens themselves to a countersuit.​
 
:-p I'm looking for a 3 BR (mother-in) law suite
 
The Smoking Man said:
Anybody can sue ... It's a right.
Of course.
However, there are a few things protecting the 'defendant':

The person can be fined for presenting a frivilous or malicious lawsuit.
The person who loses is often required to pay the defendant's costs.
The person suing opens themselves to a countersuit.​
This is.. China? The US? I'm not aware of any such laws in Canada, and will be looking into it.
 
Smurf said:
Just thinking about those people like Eminem who people keep trying to sue, and end up having to pay huge amounts of money in legal bills to defend themselves. I was wondering if there are any laws to protect someone from having to pay this if they are found.. (whatever the civil-law equivalent of not-guilty is) anywhere, and wether anyone thinks we should/shouldn't have one.

In the US, if you fail to sue someone, they can sue you back for legal fees. Thats one method I know of
 
Doesn't do you much good when the person who brought suit doesn't have enough money to cover your legal fees.
 
loseyourname said:
Doesn't do you much good when the person who brought suit doesn't have enough money to cover your legal fees.
Actually it does because the courts can then garnish their wages for the rest of their lives.

It may not solve your immediate problem but it can sure give you a feeling of satisfaction knowing that you made their lives a living hell.

Think of that woman who sued Wendy's over the errant finger ... she's going to do TIME!

:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
 

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