The civil justice system is a crucial institutional framework in America. When working properly, the system provides a fair and equitable forum for the resolution of disputes among parties, appropriately compensating those that have legitimately been harmed. Additionally, it acts as an effective deterrent to undesirable behavior. The civil justice system is designed to provide proper remedies for injured parties and incentives for responsible actions; it is not intended to be punitive, random, or unpredictable.
Local jails are typically poorly equipped to deal with mental illness and related issues. Nonetheless, individuals with mental disorders are all too often incarcerated simply due to a lack of other options. Not only do these persons fail to receive needed and adequate treatment, but are also more likely to have various complications both when in custody and after release. At the same time, incarceration is costly for communities. In response to these concerns, programs have emerged across the country which seek to offer more appropriate options for both persons suffering from mental disorders and communities attempting to provide necessary services with scarce resources.
A flawed civil justice system which generates exorbitant levels of damages or numbers of awards and which is unpredictable in its outcomes may result in negative impacts through the misallocation of society's scarce economic and human resources. Tort reform can lead to substantial economic benefits, and states which have implemented reforms have seen improved judicial efficiency and measurable advancement in economic performance.