Originally posted by: rahvin
For those that think you need justification to bring a civil case against an individual I would like to point out that you are an idiot. Anyone can bring a civil suit against anyone for any reason. I could bring a civil suit against everyone in this thread for burning my house down. To bring the suit I don't have prove anything. Court is where proof is made. And thank god it is because I wouldn't want some court clerk deciding if I can sue someone.
This is America where you are Innocent until proven guilty IN CRIMINAL COURT, and where anyone can sue you for anything for any reason IN CIVIL COURT.
you are partially correct. anybody can bring a suit against anyone, true. nothing is in place to stop a person from going down to the courthouse and filing a suit. but try to find a lawyer who will bring those suits, don't think many will jump into a situation where they can be hit with sanctions for bringing in meritless suits. court is not where proof is made. c'mon now. discovery is. court is where you try to prove you are right, to the jury (or judge depending). so don't be so quick to call people idiots.
depends on jurisdiction. each state/county/city is different. normally you CANNOT recover attorney's costs, for being sued. it's messed up but that's the way it is. there are exceptions, however. again, depending on jurisdiction.If I hired a lawyer to defend myself against your hypothetical ' burn your house down' scenario, of course I could sue for costs.
again you are wrong. the courts don't take too kindly to being used as pawns. they are already as busy as can be (hence they provide many enticements to settle), and they will issue sanctions and penalties. please quit as you don't really know what you are talking about. go and google "Malicious Prosecution" where the plaintiff (DTV), their counsel, and any advisors can be hit with a suit. it is an intentional tort and therefore punitive damages (i.e. the big money) can be awarded.DTV has the right to send letters to anyone they feel like, they can make any claims they wish and they can sue anyone they want.
"probable cause" is another catchphrase you should look up.