Robert S. Peck

In the following viewpoint, Robert S. Peck criticizes the efforts of corporate America and some state legislatures to limit Americans’ ability to sue for injury. He argues that these attempts at tort reform would mar the justice system by skewing it in favor of powerful corporations at the expense of the plaintiffs. Peck also maintains that tort reform is a threat to constitutional government because it ignores the separation of powers that provides balance between the legislative and judicial branches. Peck is the Association of Trial Lawyers of America’s senior director for Legal Affairs and Policy Research.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Peck’s view, what do “reform” advocates seek to accomplish?
2. What do tort-restriction laws limit, according to...