The Case Against Lawyers.

• Position: Book Review

By Catherine Crier. New York: Broadway Books, 2002. Pp. 225. $23.95.

A former assistant district attorney, private attorney, and judge, Catherine Crier is well qualified to critique the administration of justice. In The Case Against Lawyers, Crier focuses on the court system and legislation. She finds court dockets clogged with frivolous cases and court decisions marred by absurd results. Crier opines that assumption of risk and contributory negligence should be restored and used liberally by judges, while joint and several liability and contingency fees should be proscribed. These changes, she says, would limit plaintiffs' ability to bring nonmeritorious claims and to make huge recoveries of punitive damages. Similarly, Crier contends that legislation is based more on political than social value, and calls for a radical overhaul. She suggests revoking any laws in...