Arlen Specter: “I believe that we need more information on that, and that would be accomplished by having regular order followed through…”

“I believe that we need more information on that, and that would be accomplished by having regular order followed through the Judiciary Committee. The principal change in the rule, as recommended by the advisory committee, is to have sanctions paid to the court where there are frivolous lawsuits brought. By way of brief explanation, rule 11 now provides that if a party brings a suit in Federal court which is frivolous, then the court has the authority to impose sanctions. The rule in its prior form had those money awards payable to the party who was on the other side. The new rule would have that monetary award or sanction paid to the court. The Supreme Court has reviewed this rule and has said, on a 6 to 3 vote, three judges dissenting, that the new rule should take effect.”