HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC RESO 14,840RESOLUTION NO. 14,840
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY IN
SUPPORT FOR THE "FAIR RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 1986"
WHEREAS, the present joint and several liability law, also known as
the "Deep Pocket Doctrine", has unfairly cost the cities of California millions of
dollars in court judgments, settlements, legal costs, skyrocketing insurance
premiums and difficulty in obtaining adequate liability insurance coverage; and
WHEREAS, this same doctrine has also cost other governmental bodies,
business firms and professionals many millions of dollars; and
WHEREAS, ultimately this cost is unfairly borne by the taxpayers and
consumers of California; 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, the cost of this 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 the "Deep Pocket Doctrine" by holding liability
lawsuit defendants financially liable in closer proportion to their degree of fault;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the
City of National City endorse the "Fair Responsibility Act of 1986" and urge its
support and passage to relieve the financial strain imposed on local government
and its taxpayers.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 7th day of January, 1986
<i._ill 1./
Kile Morgan, M: %or
ATTEST:
Ion Campbell, City c rk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Georg t5 H. Eiser, III - City Attorney