South Florida: CSE Debates Tort Reform

John Hallman, representing CSE, participated in a debate called Point/ Counterpoint at the Palm Beach Community College on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd. The issue was Tort Reform and the opposing side was represented by Lance Block of Searcy, Denney, et al. in West Palm Beach, a well-known firm of trial lawyers. Lance Block is also the past president of the Florida Association of Trial Lawyers.

There were approximately 75 people in attendance, most concerned with the state of the healthcare system.

John’s preparation carried the day, as he cited statistics and examples of the reasons tort reform encourage free markets and results in a less costly healthcare system. John’s examples of the court system, overburdened with frivolous lawsuits, were well taken by the audience. They frustrated Mr. Block and forced him to result to emotional and one-sided arguments to defend the existing system. When Mr. Block began to attack CSE on an emotional level, John remained calm and defended the organization with facts and figures, not with emotional rationale. Many of the audience members agreed with John and challenged Mr. Block to defend the current system.

One audience member gave the following feedback: “John Hallman had facts and figures to back up his positions. John maintained his cool when the trial attorney became offensive and personal. The mostly liberal audience turned on Mr. Block in the second half of the debate when it became obvious that he was misrepresenting CSE and their positions and was not as well prepared as John Hallman.

Once again, John Hallman and CSE illustrate that Tort Reform is a winning issue!

Special thanks to Jenni Garrison, Executive Director, Republican Party of Palm Beach County