HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC RESO 14,957RESOLUTION NO. 14,957
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY ENDORSING PROPOSITION 51:
THE FAIR RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 1986
WHEREAS, the present court -adopted doctrine of "joint and several
liability" operates as a "Deep Pocket Doctrine," and has unfairly cost the
taxpayers and consumers of California millions of dollars in court judgments,
settlements, legal costs, skyrocketing insurance premiums and difficulty in
obtaining adequate liability insurance coverage; and
WHEREAS, many cities, other governmental bodies, business firms and
professionals are selected as defendants in lawsuits merely because of their
perceived assets or insurance and often are found only fractionally at fault
but must pay most or all of the judgment because the defendants most at fault
cannot pay; and
WHEREAS, ultimately this cost is unfairly borne by the taxpayers and
consumers of California; and
WHEREAS, the "Fair Responsibility Act of 1986" is an initiative
measure that would give the voters of California an opportunity to reform the
inequities and injustices of this "Deep Pocket Doctrine" by holding liability
lawsuit defendants financially liable in closer proportion to their degree of
actual fault.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of National City
endorses the "Fair Responsibility Act of 1986" and urges its support and
passage to relieve the financial strain imposed on local government and its
taxpayers.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 27th day of May, 1986.
ATTEST:
10 i. CAMPBELL,, CITY
AP ROVED AS TO FORM:
GEORGE H. EISER, III -CITY ATTORNEY