Punitive Damages Reform: HB 212 (2003); Amended Mont. Code Anno., § 27-1-221 (2010). - ATRA

Punitive Damages Reform: HB 212 (2003); Amended Mont. Code Anno., § 27-1-221 (2010).

| November 6, 2016

Brings Montana statute into conformity with Supreme Court decision that

Brings Montana statute into conformity with Supreme Court decision that punitive damages may be awarded by a two-thirds verdict rather than the previous requirement that punitive damages awards must be unanimous. In Finstad v. W.R. Grace & Co., 2000 MT 228, 301 Mont. 240, 8 P.3d 778 (2000), the Montana Supreme Court held that the portion of section 27-1-221(6), MCA, which requires that an award of punitive damages must be unanimous as to liability and amount, violates Article II, section 26, of the Montana Constitution, guaranteeing a verdict by a two-thirds majority in all civil cases.

Latest News

View all news

ATRA Calls for Veto of S.B. 410 to Protect Michigan’s Economic Future

This shift is not in the best interests of consumers, manufacturers, or the state as a whole

<img width="500" height="250" alt="" decoding="async" data-src="https://www.atra.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ATRA-PR-for-WordPress-500x250.png" class="attachment-masonry size-masonry wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="500" height="250" alt="" decoding="async" data-src="https://www.atra.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ATRA-PR-for-WordPress-500x250.png" class="attachment-masonry size-masonry wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="500" height="250" src="https://www.atra.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ATRA-PR-for-WordPress-500x250.png" class="attachment-masonry size-masonry wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" />

Michigan Legislature Looks to Expand Liability, ATRA Urges Caution

Michigan lawmakers must consider the unintended consequences of expanding liability

<img width="500" height="250" alt="" decoding="async" data-src="https://www.atra.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ATRA-PR-for-WordPress-500x250.png" class="attachment-masonry size-masonry wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="500" height="250" alt="" decoding="async" data-src="https://www.atra.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ATRA-PR-for-WordPress-500x250.png" class="attachment-masonry size-masonry wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="500" height="250" src="https://www.atra.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ATRA-PR-for-WordPress-500x250.png" class="attachment-masonry size-masonry wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" />

Mass Tort Machine Exposed by Trial Lawyer Playbook Report

The Trial Lawyer Playbook report serves as a call to action, promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in the legal system.

<img width="500" height="250" alt="" decoding="async" data-src="https://www.atra.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ATRA-PR-for-WordPress-500x250.png" class="attachment-masonry size-masonry wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="500" height="250" alt="" decoding="async" data-src="https://www.atra.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ATRA-PR-for-WordPress-500x250.png" class="attachment-masonry size-masonry wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="500" height="250" src="https://www.atra.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ATRA-PR-for-WordPress-500x250.png" class="attachment-masonry size-masonry wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" />

Congressional Hearing on Bankruptcy to Address Mass Tort Litigation

ATRA Reiterates Support for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Use to Address Mass Tort Litigation, Urges Meaningful Dialogue Amid Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing

Climate Lawsuits Don’t Belong In State Courts

By maintaining the clear distinction between the judiciary and policymaking, the court can help us navigate this critical issue with prudence and responsibility, safeguarding a sustainable future for all.

<img width="500" height="250" alt="" decoding="async" data-src="https://www.atra.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ATRA-PR-for-WordPress-500x250.png" class="attachment-masonry size-masonry wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="500" height="250" alt="" decoding="async" data-src="https://www.atra.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ATRA-PR-for-WordPress-500x250.png" class="attachment-masonry size-masonry wp-post-image lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" /><noscript><img width="500" height="250" src="https://www.atra.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ATRA-PR-for-WordPress-500x250.png" class="attachment-masonry size-masonry wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" />

House Oversight Hearing on Third-Party Litigation Financing Applauded by ATRA

The lack of oversight and transparency around third-party litigation funding threatens the integrity of our legal system