Bar association can help to research justice system

Bar association can helpto research justice system
EDITOR:
In Gov. Taft's recent State of the State address, he called for action on tort reform and challenged the Ohio Legislature to move quickly. Gov. Taft said, "Let's enact comprehensive lawsuit reform, and let's enact it now."
The question is, Gov. Taft, move quickly on what? The governor, some legislators, business interests and others are clamoring about a crisis. They say that frivolous lawsuits and large jury verdicts are driving up the cost of doing businesses in Ohio. But they have yet to provide facts to back up their assertions.
An examination of various components of the civil justice system is in order, especially the high transactional costs that parties incur. What is needed in addition to fact gathering is a conclave of interested parties and state leaders to discuss what reforms, if any, would be an improvement to the system. The system may not be perfect, so constructive recommendations for improvement are always in order.
A bill before the Ohio Legislature may hold some hope for compiling important information in the future. Rep. John Willamowski (R-Lima) introduced legislation (H.B. 348) to require gathering data about tort actions filed in Ohio that could shed light on challenges in the system. While the OSBA has not taken a position on this particular piece of legislation, it is the kind of affirmative step that is needed to insure that our legislators have information before they make legislative decisions. Right now, the facts simply are not there. While we applaud Gov. Taft's interest in protecting Ohioans, we want to be sure that any actions taken are based on sound factual information."
The Ohio State Bar Association, whose membership includes lawyers in all segments of practice and in all areas of the state, has long called for the Ohio Legislature to gather the necessary data to determine the cause and scope of the problem before taking action, and then to craft rational and responsible approaches to handling issues revealed through those facts. Much of the needed data does not currently exist, so research needs to be commissioned to gather the necessary information. Ohio's leading research institutions would be good places to undertake these studies. The OSBA continues to offer to assist in this effort.
KEITH ASHMUS, president
Ohio State Bar Association
Columbus
Minorities need to utilizeopportunities that are here
EDITOR:
According to a Jan. 19 Vindicator article, Jay P. Greene and Greg Forster would have us believe that they have discovered the way to get more minorities through the present educational system.
This would permit more minorities to enter college. Greene and Forster are members of the Manhattan Institute's Education Research Office, whatever that is. Maybe another think tank.
The present educational system is no handicap for the Oriental minorities. Nor is it a problem for accomplished minority athletes They are wined and dined and desired by some of the better colleges and universities in spite of their educational difficulties. They are farm clubs for the professional leagues.
Why blame the universal educational public schools for the deficiencies that these "reluctant learners" have acquired during their questionable home life, it there is any home life.
The successful minorities are the ones who take advantage of the present possibilities. They appreciate the advantages of education that are present and available. Contrary to the allegations of Greene and Forster, minorities must learn to appreciate the values of the public education that is available. Some of them do.
MELVIN S. FRANK
Poland