RAND Institute for Civil Justice

Since 1979, the RAND Institute for Civil Justice has been dedicated to making the civil justice system more efficient and more equitable. Our research is supported by pooled grants from corporations, trade and professional associations, and individuals; by government grants and contacts; and by private foundations. The Institute disseminates its work widely to the legal, business, and research communities, and to the general public.

More ICJ Publications

Research and Commentary

  • A woman wearing a suit, sitting in an office, holding her head as if having a headache. Photo by katleho Seisa / Getty Images

    Well-Being in the Legal Community

    The RAND Institute for Civil Justice brought together stakeholders in the legal community to discuss attorney mental health and substance abuse, including how legal professionals and educators can improve those factors for students and for professionals in the field.

    May 12, 2021

  • Denise Gregory, a staff member at Crown Heights Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, a nursing home facility, receives the COVID-19 vaccine from Walgreens Pharmacist Annette Marshall, in Brooklyn, New York, December 22, 2020, photo by Yuki Iwamura/Reuters

    COVID-19 Vaccine Liability and Compensation in the United States

    The United States has two federal compensation systems for people who have been harmed by vaccines. How those systems perform could affect whether some Americans are willing to be vaccinated. This RAND Corporation virtual event explored how those who believe that they have been injured by COVID-19 vaccines in the United States can seek compensation and how the two federal compensation systems differ.

    Apr 29, 2021

  • A judge's gavel with bottles of prescription drugs. Photo by CatLane / Getty Images

    Opioid Litigation: What's New and What Does It Mean for Future Litigation?

    Amid claims that the pharmaceutical industry used misleading tactics to downplay the known harms of prescription opioids, more than 2,000 plaintiffs have joined the largest civil trial in U.S. history: National Prescription Opiate Litigation (MDL 2804). In this symposium, experts discuss the opioid litigation and its effects on the future of mass litigation.

    Feb 9, 2021

  • Detail of covid-19 vaccine vials and and a syringe. Photo by vladans / Getty Images

    COVID-19 Vaccine Cross-Border Liability and Compensation

    In this virtual event, experts discuss the challenges in facilitating the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and how to prevent liability and compensation concerns from affecting the vaccine supply chain and the uptake of the vaccine by the public.

    Feb 2, 2021

  • Two toy vehicles in a collision on top of a manilla folder marked "Plaintiff v Defendant"

    The Effect of Mandatory Insurer Reporting on Settlement Delay

    Medicare and some state Medicaid programs have taken steps to mandate reporting of personal injury awards. Analysis of a national dataset of automobile injury claims shows mandated reporting increased settlement time by an average of 36 days. Such delays could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in waiting costs each year.

    Jan 22, 2021

  • Lynn Jones receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Jackson Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, photo by Stephanie Amador/The Jackson Sun via Imagn Content Services, LLC/Reuters

    The Compensation System for Potential Side Effects Is an Important Part of a COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign

    Concern about potential COVID-19 vaccine side effects and their consequences may be contributing to Americans' reluctance to get vaccinated. Policymakers and the public should carefully consider what types and levels of compensation for any adverse effects of vaccination are truly fair and appropriate.

    Dec 18, 2020

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