1. Intro to Judicial Branch

2. Civil vs. Criminal Cases
Civil Cases
Relations between private citizens. (corporate citizens)
81 year old woman awarded millions of dollars for spilling her coffee on herself

3. More Civil Cases
Toddler
Beer
Surfer
Weather

4. Civil Cases
Toddler- Woman sues Macy’s because a whiney toddler ruined her experience. The toddler was hers. Was thrown out in the district court
Beer- A guy saw a commercial with a guy drinking beer and there were a lot of women around. So he went to a bar. Drank a ton of beer. Threw up in the bathroom and picked up no women. It went to a court of appeals. Cost Budweiser close to $30, 000.

5. Civil Cases
Surfer- Apparently there is a law of the ocean. One surfer cut line for a wave. So the offended party sued the other surfer. The judge threw it out because “I can’t put a price on one surfer stealing another surfers wave”
Weather- Forecast called for sunny and warm. It was rainy and cold. Woman wore shorts and tee. Got a cold. Sued. Got paid $1,000.

6. Tort Reform
Civil Suits cost the US Economy over 200 billion dollars a year
How can we stop the madness
Some people advocate putting caps on how much money one can win in a civil suit.
Medical Mal Practice

7. There are any Lawsuits and Crimes….
…But most cases never get to court.
Most Civil Disputes are Settled out of Court
Most Criminal Cases are settled due to plea bargains or dismissals