But the two lawyers said yesterday that the $20 million verdict would encourage other lawsuits in New York and elsewhere.

Opponents say the policy would hamstring governments and encourage frivolous lawsuits.

Mr. Lipsig predicted that the case would encourage similar lawsuits.

Finally, the case may encourage other lawsuits involving pension law.

Bringing up a scandal that she has worked hard to overcome could rattle investors and encourage lawsuits.

Nevertheless, a guilty plea is expected to cost Drexel some customers and encourage lawsuits against the firm.

Its "bounty hunter" provision encourages frivolous lawsuits that do little to advance food safety or public health.

Mr. Bush says the Democratic bill would encourage lawsuits and drive up the cost of health insurance.

Lawyers for news organizations said today that the ruling was likely to encourage other such lawsuits.

The phone companies said the standard set by the appeals court was so low that it would inevitably encourage baseless lawsuits.