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.

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Research and Commentary

  • An injured man and his wife examine a bill

    Tax Reform Could Raise Car Insurance Rates

    Feb 4, 2018

    The new tax law eliminates the individual mandate. When this repeal takes effect in 2019, millions more Americans are expected to go without health insurance. Auto insurers will likely pick up the tab for some of that population's medical care. That could raise car insurance premiums.

  • Financial video game

    Let's (Not) Play Games with Dodd-Frank

    May 4, 2017

    Dodd-Frank, the 2010 financial reform law, is now itself the target of reform. Those involved with the overhaul could draw inspiration from an unlikely source: video games. A simulation game could help predict the effects of changes to regulations—and avoid high-stakes missteps.

  • Empty courtroom with scales of justice

    Discount Justice: Fiscal Austerity and State Courts

    Apr 18, 2017

    Budget cuts at the state court level can mean courthouse closures, hiring freezes and layoffs, leading to longer wait times for the public. Educating the public about the role and importance of the state courts is key to preventing more budget cuts in the future.

  • Concept of leaky software, data pouring out of pipe

    Digital Theft: The New Normal

    Oct 10, 2016

    Absolute data breach prevention is not possible, so knowing what people want when it happens is important. Consumers and corporations alike should accept this risk as a “when,” not an “if,” and prepare for it.

  • Judge Merrick Garland speaks after President Obama announced him as his nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, March 16, 2016

    A Spotlight on the Supreme Court, and Its Vacancy

    Jul 19, 2016

    More than four months have passed since President Obama nominated Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. In a time of contentious politics, a clear majority of Americans want the court to have a full bench. But they appear unlikely to get it soon.

  • The facade of the United States Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.

    Fixing Judicial Recusals

    Feb 10, 2016

    If judges or justices own stock in the company of a litigant, they must recuse themselves from hearing the case. While these recusals help ensure impartiality at the level of the individual judge, what effect do they have on the pool of judges that hear cases involving publicly held corporations?