Bill Would Increase, Not Curb, Abuse of Law
I am glad that Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer is finally starting to put a stop to the abusive practice employed by some unscrupulous trial lawyers of filing Section 17200 claims against small businesses throughout California (“Consumer-Protection Law Abused in Legal Shakedown,” Golden State, July 21).
Columnist Michael Hiltzik did a good job of outlining the problem with the law by shining a bright light on the sneaky move that California trial lawyers are trying to pull.
In the name of reform, trial lawyers are trying to pass legislation that will do more harm than good. Instead of curbing the abuses taking place under Section 17200, the bill actually would allow more abuse.
If SB 122 passes, more scam artists masquerading as trial lawyers will get into the act and file baseless lawsuits against unsuspecting small-business owners.
Leslie Munger
Long Beach
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