The bill amends Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. It changes wording so courts shall impose sanctions (replacing the word "may"). It also replaces language in paragraph (2) about Rule 5 and motions. The bill expands paragraph (4) so sanctions must compensate parties injured by the improper conduct, including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. Courts may also impose non-monetary sanctions such as striking pleadings or dismissing a suit, or, when needed for deterrence, order a penalty paid into the court. These monetary sanctions are subject to the limitations described in paragraph (5). The bill also says it should not be read to block the development of new claims, defenses, or remedies under federal, state, or local law, including civil rights laws, or the Constitution.
If you are a party or a lawyer in a federal civil case, the bill would require courts to impose sanctions for Rule 11 violations. A sanctioned party could be ordered to pay the other side's reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees and costs. Courts could also use non-money sanctions like striking pleadings or dismissing cases. The bill changes some procedural wording about service and motions but does not specify additional procedural steps beyond the Rule 11 text provided.
The bill directs courts to order payment of reasonable expenses incurred as a direct result of a Rule 11 violation, including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. It also allows courts to impose penalties payable into the court and to order other appropriate non-monetary sanctions. Subject to limitations in paragraph (5). No publicly available information on estimated fiscal effects, administrative costs, or typical amounts that would be paid in cases is included in the provided text.
The bill states its purpose is "to improve attorney accountability." No additional sponsor arguments or supporting statements are included in the provided text.
No publicly available information.