Is anyone here familiar with "legislative continuance?" I heard a piece on NPR this morning (listen here) about it and was really pissed that we allow this kind of abuse in Texas. Basically, Texas legislators are hired as defense attorneys in the middle of (usually) high profile product liability cases (i.e. Firestone Tires). Then, the legislators request the judge to delay the start of trial because the legislative session is about to begin. By state law, the judge MUST grant the continuance. What's even more sickening is that these legislators are often paid big bucks yet have little experience in product liability law. The whole purpose is to delay a case, which will then cause both sides to rack up even more legal bills. Of course, a big defendant like Firestone can afford these kind of costs, but your average plaintiff cannot. The defendant is probably hoping to pressure the plaintiff into a settlement that is less than what is probably owed. We've seen alot of demonization of trial (i.e. plaintiff) lawyers, but why isn't there a demand for similar accountabilty by defense lawyers? Why is it that trial lawyers are considered Satan for seeking big paydays out of cases of dubious merit, but defense attorneys aren't chastised for running up huge hourly fees via delay and deception tactics in legitimate cases. And why does the state allow its representatives to be such obvious whores to big business. I wouldn't deny them the right to earn a living as attorneys (Texas legislators make only $6000/year), but as the radio piece noted, these "attorneys" wouldn't be hired at all if it weren't for the "legislative continuance" privilege. It's simply a case of abusing the system, and I hope the Texas for Public Justice are successful in forcing lawmakers to publicly disclose any so-called “legislative continuances." (see article here ) BTW, I know my thread title is somewhat inflammatory, but I doubt anyone would even read it if I had called it "Legislative Continuance: Good or Bad"
If you really think they are abusing the legal system, you could sue them. But, then they would just hire a good defense lawyer and beat you. Could be you should vote for someone other than a lawyer for the Texas legislature..like former businessmen, people with a history of sucess or even someone ethical.... God forbid.
