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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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