Is Madison County the 'judicial hellhole' that tort reformers claim?
by Alan J. Ortbals -- July 2004, Southern Illinois Law and Telecommunications Issue

When advocates of tort reform delivered their Madison County Manifesto a year ago, they touched off a
controversy that swept through the medical malpractice insurance crisis this year - one that is now playing itself out in the
campaign for a seat on the Illinois Supreme Court.
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Congress, Illinois draft bills to decide when class action cases go to fed court
by Kerry L. Smith -- July 2004, Southern Illinois Law and Telecommunications Issue

The question of whether class action lawsuits should remain in state courts or be propelled to the federal
court system is a topic the 108th Congress is preparing to debate.
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Contractors, insurers object to Several Liability Law
by Kerry L. Smith -- November 2003, Southern Illinois Construction and Labor Issue

What some state legislators are saying was a minor change in wording to the Several Liability Law, others in
the commercial construction industry - and the commercial insurance profession - are saying is the passage of a "deep pockets"
law that invites ever bigger lawsuits and limitless assignments of blame.
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Governor signs Several Liability Act into law
by Kerry L. Smith -- September 2003, Southern Illinois Banking and Finance Issue

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has signed into law a revised version of employers' liability legislation that opens the
door to larger judgments in lawsuits against employers, manufacturers and other parties.
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House approves record-breaking Illinois tax increase for casinos
by Kerry L. Smith -- June 2003, Southern Illinois Technology Issue

Legislators and economic development leaders say although the Illinois Assembly's passage of a bill to
increase casinos' taxes will help plug $200 million of the $5 billion gaping hole in the state's budget shortfall, it will
also thwart the development of new casinos here and hamper operation of existing casinos.
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Madison County's class-action label may drive businesses away
by Kerry L. Smith -- May 2003, Southern Illinois Law Issue

Poll business executives as to what kind of reputation Madison County, Ill. has when it comes to class-action
litigation, and you can pretty much predict the negative response you will get.
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Attorney blends compassion, expertise in counseling clients
by Kerry L. Smith -- May 2003, Southern Illinois Law Issue

After nearly two decades of practicing law in his hometown of Carrollton, Richard Gillingham knows firsthand
that who you are and how you treat others relates directly to the profession of being an attorney.
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Illinois Senate does two step in approving minimum wage increase
by Lisa Vazzi Sciranko and Kerry L. Smith -- May 2003, Southern Illinois Law Issue

While Illinois Democrats are touting the socioeconomic advantages of increasing the state's minimum wage by
$1.35, Republicans and small business owners are concerned it will negatively impact an already weak labor economy.
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Patriot Act powerful in fight against terrorism
by Vicki Bennington -- April 2003, Southern Illinois Business Banking Issue

A passport or visa is no longer enough for foreign clients to open a bank account in the United States. Banks
and other institutions are expected to go much further in order to verify clients' claims that they are who they say they are.
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U.S. Patriot Act designed to prevent terrorism by 'nipping it in the bud'
by Vicki Bennington -- September 2002, Southern Illinois Business Banking Issue

In an effort to combat terrorism, the government and other entities, including banks, have taken many steps.
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