Framing Frivolous Litigation: A Psychological Theory
Chris Guthrie
67 U Chi L Rev 163 (2000)
This Article uses an often-overlooked component of prospect theory
to develop a positive theory of frivolous or low-probability litigation.
The proposed Frivolous Framing Theory posits that the decision frame
in frivolous litigation induces risk-seeking behavior in plaintiffs
and risk-adverse behavior in defendants. Because plaintiffs in frivolous
litigation have a greater tolerance for risk than the defendants they
have sued, plaintiffs in frivolous litigation have "psychological
leverage" in settlement negotiations, which is likely to lead to
plaintiff-friendly settlements or bargaining impasse. This, in turn,
suggests that reformers concerned about frivolous litigation should
target reform efforts at plaintiffs’ decisionmaking in frivolous
suits.
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