Bob Dole: “Unfortunately, the litigation explosion now plaguing our country does not stop at the prison gate. The number of…”

“Unfortunately, the litigation explosion now plaguing our country does not stop at the prison gate. The number of lawsuits filed by inmates has grown astronomically--From 6,600 in 1975 to more than 39,000 in 1994. These suits can involve such grievances as insufficient storage locker space, a defective haircut by a prison barber, the failure of prison officials to invite a prisoner to a pizza party for a departing prison employee, and yes, being served chunky peanut butter instead of the creamy variety. These legal claims may sound far-fetched--almost funny--but unfortunately, prisoner litigation does not operate in a vacuum. Frivolous lawsuits filed by prisoners tie up the courts, waste valuable legal resources, and affect the quality of justice enjoyed by law-abiding citizens. The time and money spent defending these cases are clearly time and money better spent prosecuting violent criminals, fighting illegal drugs, or cracking down on consumer fraud. The National Association of Attorneys General estimates that inmate civil rights litigation costs the States more than $81 million each year. Of course, most of these costs are incurred defending lawsuits that have no merit whatsoever. This amendment will help put an end to the inmate litigation fun-and-games.”