Many states require defendants to post an appeal bond – sometimes equal to 150 percent of a verdict – in order to secure the right to appeal.
In an era when billion-dollar verdicts are no longer uncommon, appealing a jury verdict can force an individual, a company, or an industry into bankruptcy.
ATRA supports appeal bond reform legislation that limits the size of an appeal bond when a company is not liquidating its assets or attempting to flee from justice.
Limits the amount a defendant can be required to pay to secure the right to appeal to $75 million.
Limits the amount a signatory to the Master Settlement Agreement can be required to pay to secure the right to appeal to $50 million.
Limits the amount a signatory to the Master Settlement Agreement can be required to pay to secure the right to appeal to $100 million.
Limits the amount a signatory to the Master Settlement Agreement can be required to pay to secure the right to appeal to $150 million.
Broadens the cap put in place in 2001 to include MSA affiliaties.
Court Ruled Against ATRA's Position
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