IADC Members Share Scholarly Insights on Defense Production Act, EPA and Asbestos, and Wrongful Birth Actions in Third-Quarter 2020 DCJ

This year’s third-quarter edition of the Defense Counsel Journal (DCJ) published by the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) offers scholarly articles about a diverse range of topics such as defending producers under the Defense Production Act, recent EPA actions attempting to ban asbestos, and the law related to wrongful birth actions.

Frequently and favorably cited by courts and other legal scholarship, the DCJ is a quarterly forum for topical and scholarly writings on the law, including its development and reform, as well as on the practice of law in general. DCJ articles are written by members of the IADC, which is a 2,500-member, invitation-only, worldwide organization that serves its members and their clients, as well as the civil justice system and the legal profession.

The IADC’s third-quarter 2020 DCJ is available for free and without a subscription via the IADC’s website at https://www.iadclaw.org/documents/?CategoryId=4.

Following are brief summaries of the articles included in the third-quarter 2020 issue of the DCJ:

“Defending the Producers: Examining Product Liability Protection for Compelled Manufacturing Under the Defense Production Act” by Lauren R. Greenspoon, senior counsel, and Ryan D. Class, an associate, both at Carlton Fields, P.A. – The article discusses defending producers under the recently enacted, COVID-19-induced, Defense Production Act, taking a deep dive into the act’s history and the evolution of the Government Contractor Defense and related immunity.

“The EPA’s March to Ban Asbestos: 2020 Draft Risk Evaluation” by senior partner Claire C. Weglarz, partner Eric T. Hawkins and senior partner Evelyn Fletcher Davis, all at Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP. – The article examines the unusual recent actions of the Environmental Protection Agency in attempting to ban asbestos in almost exclusive reliance upon the work of plaintiffs’ experts and attorneys.

“What’s Unconstitutional About Wrongful Life Claims? Ask Jane Roe…” by partner Bruce R. Parker and counsel Thomasina Poirot, both at Venable LLP, along with former Venable attorney Scott C. Armstrong. – The piece reviews the law relating to wrongful birth actions, forcefully arguing that such actions, which exist in only three states, are unconstitutional under Roe v. Wade.

About the International Association of Defense Counsel
The IADC is the preeminent invitation-only global legal organization for attorneys who represent corporate and insurance interests. Founded in 1920, the IADC has members who hail from six continents, 54 countries and territories, and all 50 U.S. states. The core purposes of the IADC are to enhance the development of skills, promote professionalism, and facilitate camaraderie among its members and their clients, as well as the broader civil justice community. For more information, visit www.iadclaw.org.