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Civil Justice Research Agenda
The nation's civil justice system is a key forum of dispute resolution and public policy formation in our society. Directly or indirectly, the issues brought into this arena have an impact on all of us--on businesses and employees, on our nation's economy and environment, and on the rules by which we all live and work.
The RAND Institute for Civil Justice provides valuable products to help all contenders understand the issues of the day. We use empirical and objective research methods to search out the root causes of system problems and identify the best fixes. We locate and sometimes create common ground among adversaries. We gather data and interpret it for policymakers. And in the broadest sense, because we work to make the system more efficient and equitable for all, we help protect society from the economic and social costs of a system that could become arbitrary and capricious.
Administration of Justice
"Just, speedy, and inexpensive"--How well do the courts meet these standards? The ICJ researches ways that court management can be improved.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
As legislatures and courts continue to expand mandates for ADR in federal and state courts, the need to know what, in fact, the ADR revolution has wrought, for good or ill, becomes more pressing.
Asbestos Litigation
Understanding and quantifying asbestos litigation compensation and costs can help policymakers assess how best to resolve future claims for everyone involved.
Environmental Issues
Our goal is to help decisionmakers design pragmatic policies that improve the environment through cost-effective means.
Expert Evidence
In short, the Daubert decision requires the judge to act as a gatekeeper -- letting reliable and relevant science in and keeping the rest out.
Insurance
Our research is aimed at finding ways to improve auto personal injury compensation for all stakeholders.
Class Action Lawsuits & Mass Torts
By shifting the focus of the class action debate to improving the way these suits are litigated, antagonists can find common ground.
Juries & Verdicts
Throughout its history, the ICJ has provided crucial and otherwise unavailable information on jury behavior and verdicts in the civil justice system.
Law & Health
Assuring affordable, high quality health care to all Americans is a fundamental challenge for health policy makers. Legal processes can facilitate or hinder efforts to meet this challenge.
Product Liability
Our analyses show that the issue is more complex than indicated by the policy debate about whether there is either "too much" or "too little" product liability.
Workers' Compensation
ICJ workers' compensation research has become so pivotal that stakeholders are awaiting findings before crafting reform proposals.
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