The governor signed the bill during a Capitol ceremony attended by legislators and business leaders. He received a round of applause as he completed the process. The bill makes several changes in where lawsuits can be filed and how much can be awarded. It was passed during a contentious special legislative session that ran from May 19 to June 8. Trial lawyers and consumer advocates say the bill limits compensation for people who are hurt by faulty products or others' negligence. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce last year called Mississippi a "judicial hellhole'' because of large jury awards.
Posted by Editor at June 15, 2004 12:20 AM