If you want to see a wild battle royale in American politics and courtrooms today, take a look under the dry heading of “tort reform.” For decades, American trial lawyers have been taking multi-million, even billion-dollar corporate scalps on behalf of citizens suing for all kinds of injuries.

It’s worked for the attorneys, their clients and consumer advocates – as well as for the Democratic Party that trial lawyers have richly supported. But big business has paid through the nose and hated the system.

Now, the GOP controls Congress and big business is pulling out all the stops and millions in campaign contributions to shut down big money jury awards and the Democrats’ trial money lifeline.

Click the “Listen” link to hear a discussion on American politics, blood money, the courts and tort reform.

Guests:

Larry Fineran, Vice President of Regulation and Competition for the National Association of Manufacturers

Leo Boyle, Former President of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and Partner at the law firm, “Meehan, Boyle, Black and Fitzgerald” in Boston, MA

Peter Stone, staff correspondent at the National Journal and author of “Trial Lawyers on Trial” which appeared in the July 12th issue

Matthew Miller, reporter for Forbes Magazine and co-author of “Buying Justice,” which appeared in the July 21st issue