Currently, in Pennsylvania, juries cannot be told any quantification of damages during a civil trial. This means that while plaintiffs may still recover compensation for noneconomic and economic damages, the actual value of those damages is left entirely to the discretion of the jury. While this approach is intended to let juries make their own decisions without pressure, it can lead to unfair results and is not in keeping with the traditional adversarial practice of American law.

That is why I am introducing a bill to allow both plaintiff and defense attorneys to argue to the judge or jury a specific amount for both economic and noneconomic damages during closing arguments in civil cases. Judges and jurors are capable of understanding the cases before them, and we should not complicate their work or unnecessarily limit advocacy for any client.

This bill serves an important purpose by enabling attorneys to effectively present their clients’ cases. As lawmakers, it is our responsibility to protect the rights of our constituents, whether they are plaintiffs or defendants, and ensure they have a fair opportunity to receive or limit compensation awarded in judicial proceedings.

I urge you to join me in supporting this legislation to allow attorneys the ability to fully and fairly represent their clients in court.