Fighting Flint, and the Limits of Litigation

Photo Credit: University of Illinois College of Law

By: Verity Winship

Children at risk, lead in the water, an aging infrastructure, deep inequalities, tight budgets - Flint’s water crisis has justifiably triggered national attention. 

In the U.S., litigation is one common response to fixing a problem and getting compensation for those who have been harmed.  But in the Flint water crisis, most potential defendants are government officials or the state or local government itself.  And in certain circumstances, legal rules protect government actors from being sued.  This week’s radio commentary explores the hurdles to fighting Flint in court.