Comparative litigation rates
By: J. Mark Ramseyer and Eric B. Rasmusen
Contributors: Rasmusen, Eric; John M. Olin Center for Law, Economics, and Business
Series: Discussion paper -- no. 681; Discussion paper (John M. Olin Center for Law, Economics, and Business : Online) -- no. 681.
Publisher: Harvard Law School
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Cambridge, MA
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] /
Subjects: Cross-cultural studies; Sociological jurisprudence; Economic aspects; Actions and defenses
Description: "Abstract: We know the stereotype: People around the world see American citizens as eager to sue and American judges as powerful shapers of the social order.  Yet we find it hard to measure the magnitude of that eagerness and power.  In this article we examine some of the problems involved in quantitatively measuring how the courts' role in America compares to other nations.  We suggest that the notoriety of the U.S.  does not result from the way citizens and judges handle routine disputes, which (different as it may be in developing countries) is not very different from in other wealthy, democratic societies,.  Instead, American notoriety results from the peculiarly dysfunctional way judges handle disputes in discrete legal areas such as class actions and punitive damages"--John M. Olin Center for Law, Economics, and Business web site.
Notes: Title from PDF file as viewed on 12/16/2010.

Includes bibliographical references.

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