Specter calls for limits on asbestos lawsuits News
Specter calls for limits on asbestos lawsuits

[JURIST] Echoing comments made last week by President Bush [JURIST report], Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Senator Arlen Specter [official website; R-PA] urged Congress Tuesday to put limits on asbestos liability lawsuits. Specter said asbestos lawsuits are causing companies to go bankrupt, leaving victims with little or no compensation. Proposed reforms include a multi-billion dollar compensation fund in exchange for a bar on individual asbestos litigation. The issue of asbestos lawsuits is sharply divided between labor and business. Specter stated that he plans to have a proposal ready to send to the Senate on Friday. Read the text of the proposed Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution (FAIR) Act of 2004. JURIST's Monitor provides recorded video of Tuesday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the legislation. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Hitler and Nazis attempt failed coup in Beer Hall Putsch

Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party attempted an ill-faited coup in Munich, Germany on November 8, 1923. Instead of seizing power, the conspirators suffered 15 casualties and their leaders were arrested, including Hitler. The future dictator would spend a year in prison as a result, where he would write his infamous Mein Kampf. Learn more about the Beer Hall Putsch.

Oregon legalized physician-assisted suicide

On November 8, 1994, Oregon passed the Death With Dignity Act by voter initiative, becoming the first US state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. Read the Death With Dignity Act,

France government opens the Louvre as a public museum

On November 8, 1793, the revolutionary government in France opened the Louvre for the first time as a public museum. Learn more about the history of the Louvre.