I had an interesting discussion about tort law the other night with my father in law. We were talking about the cost of frivolous law suits in this country and how they both use resources and waste money. His idea which makes a certain amount of sense to me, is that awards from law suits get awarded to the state. The point behind most tort law is to penalize negligence and public hazards. If the state is able to set this negligence right, perhaps they should be awarded part or all of the damages to continue the efforts. It would help clear out the legal system, as well as cut back on the number of people filing law suits who are just looking to get money out of companies with deep pockets.