The crisis in the Gulf has made very clear to the American people how vitally important our judicial system is for them. The multiple causes of the disaster in the Gulf could have been avoided if the companies responsible had simply implemented the necessary safety requirements that necessarily accompany drilling offshore. Unfortunately, not only did the companies reduce the level of safety in order to save money, but they also failed to act responsibly during the weeks leading up to the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon Rig in April. During the drilling of the well, BP failed to stop the drilling when it was obvious that a significant risk of danger was present.

Certainly, those in Corporate America who fought regulation and pushed legislation that protected corporate wrongdoers have been silent in the aftermath of the explosion and resulting oil spill. It’s quite apparent that the judicial system will be critically important in the weeks, months and even years ahead to make sure that justice is done both for the victims and for the wrongdoers involved in this unprecedented disaster.