Civil justice reform group Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch is praising an industry association's legal advisory council initiative as a positive step toward transparency.

The Louisiana Association of Business & Industry's latest initiative will help inform how courts and judges’ decisions affect the business community as voters go to the polls.

Lana Venable, executive director of LLAW, said transparency in the legal system is critical for the citizenry, in order to make informed decisions at the ballot box.

“It is important to encourage transparency in our judicial system, as this first-of-its-kind effort is designed to do,” Venable said. “The council's aims are to highlight strengths in the current system, as well as areas that voters might think worthy of improvement.”

Some critics of LABI's council, including Robert A. Kutcher, president of the Louisiana State Bar Association's board of governors, say the council is “simplistic,” but Venable said she thinks it is a step forward.

“The goal of improving Louisiana’s courtroom culture is critical to ensure our civil justice system works for all Louisianans,” says Venable. “Information gleaned from this initiative is designed to help voters make informed decisions when electing our judiciary.”