Eyes of London on Madison County
1/12/2005 3:23 PM By Ann Knef -Edwardsville Bureau
Erin Brockovich-Ellis
Calista Flockhart
Ed Murnane
London's Economist took note of President George W. Bush's recent visit to Madison County in an report entitled, "It's a Mad, Mad World," Jan. 6.
"In the country of Erin Brockovich and Ally McBeal, getting tort reform through Congress will be tough, but it is hard to think of a better place for Mr. Bush to make his case," writes the Economist.
The article summarized the president's tort reform proposals and provided background on Madison County's distinction as a "judicial hellhole" by the American Tort Reform Association.
It also noted a study by the Illinois Civil Justice League (ICJL) which points out that "more than 400 medical malpractice lawsuits were filed in 2000-03. Around 40% of the defendants were sued by lawyers connected to two local law firms."
Ed Murnane, president of ICJL, was cited for his remarks regarding the "unwholesome relationship" between the plaintiff's bar and judges in Madison County.
According to the report, "'Mad County' judges are famous for taking on cases other courts refurse, and not holding back when it comes to the penalties."