Icon (Close Menu)

Logout

Judge Disqualifies Issue 1 From Arkansas Ballot

1 min read

LITTLE ROCK — An Arkansas judge has disqualified a ballot measure that would limit the damages awarded in civil lawsuits and would give the state Legislature control over court rules.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Mackie Pierce on Thursday ruled that the proposal lawmakers put on the November ballot violates the state’s constitution by combining disparate measures into one amendment. The proposed amendment caps noneconomic and punitive damages awarded in lawsuits and also places limits on attorneys’ contingency fees.

Pierce ordered state election officials to not count any votes that are cast on the proposal.

A former judge filed the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the ballot measure.

In a statement, supporters of Issue 1 said they would immediately appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court.

“A large majority of the Arkansas General Assembly appropriately referred Issue 1 to the Arkansas voters,” said Carl Vogelpohl, campaign manager for Arkansans for Jobs and Justice. “I am confident that our Supreme Court will ultimately let the people decide. Our broad-based coalition expects to fight the trial lawyers all the way to November to pass Issue 1 so that Arkansas can better compete to grow jobs and recruit doctors to care for Arkansas families.”

(All contents © copyright 2018 Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Send this to a friend