The Hill News

The term “frivolous lawsuit” has become so pervasive in our lexicon that a constitutional right â€" the right to a jury trial â€" is at risk of extinction. 

Even President Barack Obama, in his 2011 State of the Union address, bought into the myth with his throwaway comment suggesting that he would work with Republicans to “rein in frivolous lawsuits” against medical providers “to bring down costs.” The president appears willing to go along with Republicans’ cruel game to throw away Americans legal rights, which would shield the health industry â€" that’s insurers, doctors, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies â€" from accountability.

Let’s be clear: Frivolous lawsuits are rare. A recent survey of the federal judiciary found that approximately 85 percent of federal trial court judges perceived “groundless litigation” as no more than a small problem.

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