Bill Title
To amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to improve attorney accountability, and for other purposes.
Committees
Senate Judiciary Committee
Bill Summary
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.) Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2017 (Sec. 2) This bill amends the sanctions provisions in Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require the court to impose an appropriate sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that has violated, or is responsible for the violation of, the rule with regard to representations to the court. Any sanction must compensate parties injured by the conduct in question. The bill removes a provision that prohibits filing a motion for sanctions if the challenged paper, claim, defense, contention, or denial is withdrawn or appropriately corrected within 21 days after service or within another time the court sets. Courts may impose additional sanctions, including striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, nonmonetary directives, or penalty payments if warranted for effective deterrence.
Bill
Sponsor
Committee
Senate Judiciary Committee
Date
March 10, 2017
Question
On Agreeing to the Amendment
Vote Type
RECORDED VOTE
Result
Failed
Description
Conyers of Michigan Part A Amendment No. 3