Attorney appeals ruling on citizen lawsuits
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An Oklahoma City attorney is asking the state Supreme Court to weigh in on his challenge of a state law that makes it more difficult for residents to sue to stop alleged government wrongdoing.
Attorney Jerry Fent filed an appeal Monday with the Oklahoma Supreme Court after a district court judge rejected his initial challenge.
The law signed by Gov. Mary Fallin in 2011 changes the required signatures for so-called ``qui tam'' lawsuits from 10 taxpayers to 100 registered voters. The lawsuits are those filed by citizens in an effort to stop a questionable government action.
Fent says the bill unconstitutionally limits citizens' access to the courts.
The bill's author has said the intent is to keep a small group of disgruntled citizens from delaying government projects.
Copyright 2012, The Associated Press
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.