Busting some myths in pursuit of a more just civil court system

For the Defense

By Donald P. Eckler

Donald “Pat” Eckler is a partner at Pretzel & Stouffer focusing on professional liability defense, insurance coverage litigation, and general tort defense. He is the legislative chair of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel. His views are his own and not those of his firm or its clients.

Posted July 15, 2020 10:41 AM

In the 1964 movie “Becket,” the title character tells Henry II that there are soldiers in the crowd of a reconquered French town to encourage their enthusiasm for the king’s procession upon entering the town. Dismayed, Henry asks his best friend and (at the time) Lord Chancellor, “Why must you destroy all my illusions?” to which Beckett responds, “Because you should have none.” Becket knew that if the king had illusions, he could make mistakes in judgment. Likewise, myths about the law can lead to mistakes in analysis and …

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