Arbitration
We are hearing a great deal about the high cost of medical malpractice litigation. The blame on lawyers and the legal system comes largely from President Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle.
It so happens that the President runs the largest law office in the country. The Bush Administration has done little or nothing to use alternative dispute resolution to reduce federal litigation or to utilize preventive law to improve the legal health of the nation.
Arbitration and mediation often reduce the cost and shorten the time for termination of claims and disputes. In contrast to President Bush’s inaction, the military legal staffs render preventive legal services to military personnel and their families.
While blaming lawyers may score political points, Bush and Quayle should complain only if government has led the way on their watch and the “private” sector does not follow their example.
LOUIS BROWN, Chairman, National Center for Preventive Law
FORREST S. MOSTEN, Chairman, Beverly Hills Bar Assn. Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution
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