U.S. lays out examples of "gross negligence" by BP

[dipsydoodle]

Source: Reuters

(Reuters) Wed Sep 5, 2012 3:32am BST - The U.S. Justice Department is ramping up its rhetoric against BP PLC for the massive 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, describing in new court papers examples of what it calls "gross negligence and wilful misconduct."

The court filing is the sharpest position yet taken by the U.S. government as it seeks to hold the British oil giant largely responsible for the largest oil spill in U.S. history.

Gross negligence is a central issue to the case, slated to go to trial in New Orleans in January 2013. A gross negligence finding could nearly quadruple the civil damages owed by BP under the Clean Water Act to $21 billion.

The U.S. government and BP are engaged in talks to settle civil and potential criminal liability, though neither side will comment on the status of negotiations.

Read more: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/09/05/uk-bp-oilspill-negligence-idUKBRE88401H20120905

[oldsarge54]

1. A small fault

A small fault, and I don't think it is just the Obama administration, is the justice department's habit of settling a case rather than letting the full weight of the law land on a corporation. Maybe it is time to revisit that policy? Yes, they will fight hard and dirty, but when they get pinned, make them squeal like a big.

[leveymg]

2. Don't settle. Prosecute corporate crime, for a change.