The citizens' groups said they would sue the department if it did not agree to conduct the study.

"And if you get a paper cut looking over the files you can't sue the department."

What is not debatable, however, is that suing the department has become a growth industry.

You agree not to sue the department or any of us individually.

"If something ever happens to those young ladies, I'm going to sue the whole department."

Janet sued the department for the right to work in the tunnel itself.

In 1999, a group of 15 black corrections officers sued the department, claiming continued discrimination.

Tennesseans fear the site could easily become permanent and have sued the department for not consulting them, as the 1982 act requires.

Both women have notified the city of their intention to sue the department for negligence.

In response, the fishermen involved have sued the department.