From Mr Charles L. Trozzo.

Sir, The controversy over class-action lawsuits (Thomas Niles' letter, March 19) requires serious rebalancing. We are constantly bombarded with the contention that the consumers get very little and the lawyers representing them get rich. It is quite true that, even putting aside the ridiculous coupon compensation, offenders may offer individual consumers very small compensation for the offence suffered. (The coupon compensation is, in many cases, a trial lawyer cop-out that only gives the defendant a continued and deeper access to potential buyers.) It is also true that the plaintiff lawyers may make substantial fees, which, one must remember, are subject in each case to judicial review for reasonableness. Important considerations are lost in all this smoke.