The Dark Side of Tort Reform: Searching for Racial Justice

Abstract

While few who have urged tort reform have recognized racism as one of the principal barriers to social justice, this article claims it is essential to discuss race discrimination in order to have true tort reform and to address the problems inherent in the tort doctrine. The article emphasizes the race issue impacts every aspect of a tort claim and adversely affects lawyers, clients, and the public view on justice. Pretending race has nothing to do with tort law or utilizing a colorblind approach only reinforces inequality within the system. Stories of people of color, in addition to what empirical studies of judgments and verdicts are available, shed some light on the serious problems within the tort system with regards to racial justice albeit only scratching the surface. The article concludes by suggesting some tort reform measures that could ease the pain of participants in the tort system.

Keywords: tort reform, racial justice, social justice, race discrimination

JEL Classification: K13, K30, K39