In the private lawsuits, Andersen has already agreed to pay a little less than $300 million to settle.

Some states have already passed bills limiting private lawsuits as well.

A company spokesman said he knew of no related private lawsuits.

Americans spent a great deal of time in court, as private lawsuits were very common.

A variety of private lawsuits are seeking financial penalties against the five music companies.

A decision shielding the commission from such private lawsuits would still be important.

The President would be immune from such private lawsuits even if the accident occurred before he took office.

It would leave enforcement up to the commission, rather than to private lawsuits.

If so, his refusal had turned that private lawsuit into a potential personal and political disaster.

In April, 2006, 23 tenants filed a private lawsuit against the companies.