Click HERE for a printable PDF of the 2012 Georgia Chamber Law & Judiciary Policy Statement.
Mission -- The Georgia Chamber of Commerce views the laws of the State of Georgia and the judiciary that interprets those laws as critical components of the infrastructure necessary to make the State of Georgia an attractive place to live and work. A transparent rule of law, interpreted by a competent and engaged judiciary, is essential for a civil society that protects the liberty of its citizens and the strength of the State of Georgia.
The Chamber has established its Law & Judiciary Committee to monitor Georgia’s judiciary and laws and regulations affecting business in the State, to ensure that laws and regulations have a rational basis and that its judiciary interprets those laws in a predictable manner. The Law & Judiciary Committee will monitor the judiciary, laws, regulations and related developments to ensure a competitive economic climate for business and an economic environment that fulfills the American ideal of permitting Georgians to pursue happiness.
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce supports the rule of law as a foundational principle of civil society in Georgia. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce supports laws and regulations that are fair, transparent and easy to understand and based on sound facts and policy.
A Strong Judicial System -- The Georgia Chamber of Commerce continues to support efforts to protect and enhance our State's judicial system to make sure it is adequately staffed and funded, with a judiciary that interprets laws as they have been written, without trying to impose new causes of action on Georgia businesses. The Georgia legislature should be vigilant to ensure that our civil justice system promotes predictable results and is speedy – businesses cannot thrive in an environment that does not enable timely and certain means of resolving disputes. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce supports the notion of arbitration of cases without judicial involvement and business courts to resolve matters that primarily affect business issues.
Civil Justice System Improvements -- The Georgia Chamber will monitor pending legislation and cases, promote legislation and offer amicus support, as needed, to protect important business positions, including the protection of Georgia citizens, investors and businesses from punitive judicial verdicts that are not based on actual harm or loss. The civil law system should not be a system that punishes lawful commerce. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce supports reasonable caps on non-economic damages and Constitutional amendments, as necessary, to support these positions.
Business Climate -- To help further advance Georgia's legal system, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce supports:
Judicial Elections -- While the General Assembly creates and maintains the laws and regulations necessary for an effective civil justice system, the judiciary interprets those laws and oversees the enforcement of the laws. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce supports educating its members and the electorate on the experience and background of candidates seeking election to the judiciary. A well-informed and engaged public, including the business community, can help ensure the election of qualified judges who will render wise decisions that support the rule of law in the State of Georgia and the development of our civil society.
