SUMMARY: Consumers Union writes regarding the hearing scheduled in the Judiciary Committee to examine the presence and extent of abusive litigation. CU is concerned that unsupported criticisms are being leveled at the American legal system that could undermine its effectiveness in protecting consumers and in holding those who provide products and services in the marketplace accountable for the harms they cause. The ability of consumers to seek redress in a court of law has been an instrumental supplement to government enforcement and oversight. Broad assertions that the legal system works unfairly against businesses are, in our view, not consistent with the actual experience of consumers in the courts.