Book excerpt: In this even-handed and fascinating book, two leading tort experts explain to lay readers the strengths and weaknesses of our tort law system. They discuss tort law's compensatory and deterrent functions; its delays, fortuity, and high transaction costs (mostly in lawyer's fees); and its role in discouraging harmful - as well as, on occasion, useful - activities. Bell and O'Connell conclude with an objective review of such current reform enactments and proposals as no-fault insurance, caps on damages, and contingency fee reform.