The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) has released its latest annual study identifying the best and worst legal environments for businesses. How does your state measure up?
The 2008 State Liability Systems Ranking Study was conducted among in-house general counsel and other senior corporate litigators to determine the fairness and reasonableness of state court liability systems in America.
Less than half (41%) of respondents rated the reasonableness and fairness of state court systems as "Excellent" or "Pretty good" while 55% rated them as "Fair" or "Poor." Meanwhile, a majority (63%) of respondents report that the litigation environment in a state is likely to impact important business decisions at their company, such as where to locate or do business.
Here are the best and worst states in terms of "Lawsuit Climate" for 2008:
10 Best States
1) Delaware
2) Nebraska
3) Maine
4) Indiana
5) Utah
6) Virginia
7) Iowa
8) Vermont
9) Colorado
10) Kansas
According to ILR, for the seventh consecutive year, Delaware ranks first among all 50 in the fairness of its litigation environment.
10 Worst States
41) Texas
42) Florida
43) South Carolina
44) California
45) Hawaii
46) Illinois
47) Alabama
48) Mississippi
49) Louisiana
50) West Virginia
ILR reports that "although its raw score in the study has improved," West Virginia is ranked 50th for the third consecutive year, the rankings deem the state's legal climate as "the worst in the country."
For the complete rankings or to learn more about the study, visit the ILR website (www.instituteforlegalreform.com).
