BP to face spill victims in US court for first time

[sabra]

Source: AFP

LOS ANGELES — British energy giant BP and victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill go to court for the first time Thursday during a session in Idaho that sets the stage for a potential trial of the century.

The proceedings in Boise, Idaho before the Multidistrict Litigation Panel (MDL Panel) will examine whether complaints submitted by around 200 plaintiffs can be consolidated, and determine where the hearings should take place and under which judge.

A decision is expected around two weeks after the hearing, but the session will give trial lawyers a test run for the arguments they will make during what could be years-long legal proceedings against BP.

The judges on the panel are expected to consolidate the complaints for practical reasons, but observers will pay close attention to where the panel orders the case be heard, and under which judge.

...

"I believe the panel will take great care to select a judge with no financial or other professional connection to the oil industry. That way, his or her impartiality would be beyond question," he said.

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[nyy1998]

1. Why Idaho?