Liability (Paperback)

~ (Author) "IT IS one of the most ubiquitous taxes we pay, now levied on virtually everything we buy, sell, and use..." (more)
Key Phrases: new tort system, new tort jurisprudence, old tort law, New York, Dalkon Shield, New Jersey (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This controversial book describes the transformation of modern tort law since the 1960s, and shows how the dramatic increase in liability lawsuits has had an adverse effect on safety, health, the cost of insurance, and individual rights.

About the Author

Peter W. Huber, an M.I.T.-trained engineer and a Harvard law graduate, has also taught at M.I.T. and formerly clerked for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. A Manhattan Institute Fellow, he lives in Washington, D.C.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (July 17, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465039197
• ISBN-13: 978-0465039197
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #874,896 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Among Best Anywhere On The Subject, December 18, 1996

By A Customer

Huber appears to be an attorney by education, if not in practice. He has researched the subject well, and has a dry wit in his comparisons that enliven the reading if the reader has any intellectual inclination. The book does not require heavy concentration but is not for a relaxing fireside session. Covering mainly recent decades where liberal legalists Huber terms "The Founders" significantly altered the face of American law in the area of liability, you will understand why he uses the term "revolution" when you finish this book. The anecdotes and historical cases are fascinating. This is absolutely de rigeur reading for anyone expecting or claiming expertise on the subject of liability on the American legal scene.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Contrary Libertarian Opinion, February 25, 2009

By	Kenneth John (Illinois) - See all my reviews

First, let me say that I agree with Mr. Williams assessment that corporatism is different than capitalism and that most of corporate America is an enemy of free markets. And I also agree that tort law has a place in our legal system to settle disputes.

That being said, Mr. Williams misses the mark when he states that juries rightly heard the evidence and rendered a verdict, many times against the corporations. What he doesn't mention is that the juries aren't fully informed of their rights and duties to judge the law, and are swayed by the jury instructions commanded by the judge that upholds the legal revolution Huber talks about. Does Mr. Williams really believe that a common law jury armed with the knowledge of their rights to make a common sense verdict would have found a lawnmower manufacturer liable for the stupidity of some idiot who stuck his hand underneath an operating lawnmower? That was the case in the Fifties that began the legal revolution Mr. Huber presents in his book.

And since when, Mr. Williams, is contract law not part of libertarian doctrine? Everyone should have the right to waive ones right to sue. In a free society, this aspect of freedom would bring forth many innovations of products that would make us all more prosperous, free, and safe. And that is one of the main arguments in Huber's book.

"The Legal Revolution and its Consequences" is a must read for all those looking for answers to a freer society.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-read book, October 7, 2006

By	T. Frank - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book should be mandatory in tort law classes and for legislators. Even if one doesn't agree with the arguments and points made, one cannot discuss tort law intelligently without being able to address Huber's critique.