Course Description
Exploration of the overriding question of whether the courts can dispense individual justice in cases involving thousands of litigants. Course requirements will include writing a substantial research paper as well as actively participating in class discussion.
Athena Title
Mass Torts Seminar
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be exposed to the legal problems and issues associated with the unique, growing phenomenon of mass torts, e.g., the B.P. Oil Spill, the 9/11 litigation, tobacco, Agent Orange, Dalkon Shield, breast implants, asbestos personal injury litigation, etc. They will be able to explicate the question of whether courts can dispense individual justice in cases involving thousands of litigants.
Topical Outline
We will examine such issues as: consolidation of state and federal litigation in one forum, judicial determination of who should appropriately manage the litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants, how courts determine legal causation, strategic and ethical considerations for plaintiffs and defendants, strategies for litigation funding, alternatives to judicial resolution, issues associated with Congressional intervention.
Syllabus
Public CV