Thanks for the Lawsuits

Over at overlawyered.com, Ted Frank has thoughtfully wished us all a lawsuit-free holiday.

We, like Ted, are grateful to live in a country whose Constitution reposes enough confidence in its citizenry to permit free and open discussion. One reason for that gratitude is our belief that messy and imperfect though it may be, free and sometimes adversarial discourse is the best known method for promoting informed decisions -- and for pursuing the truth.

We are therefore pleased to have available, for redress of civil wrongs, a judicial system that was built on that same premise. Litigation is unpleasant, and perhaps there is too much of it . . . or perhaps not enough of the right kind -- we're not sure. It is probably a good thing, either way, that the courts are closed today, to give everyone a respite from contention and strife.

But if you have suffered unjust injury, or if your civil rights have been abridged, or if your loved ones have been wronged by the wealthy or the powerful, then be grateful, today, that the courts will be open again on Monday.