21.   After years of little change, jury awards to consumers suing over defective products are rising sharply in many industries, from cars and tools to toys and appliances.

22.   Clinton May Support Tort Reform An associate attorney general urged Congress to establish some national standards in civil suits involving defective products.

23.   Clinton, when he vetoed the bill, said it would hinder families from collecting damages when they were injured by defective products.

24.   Dole supports another new agreement to move legislation curbing lawsuits for injuries from defective products and other causes.

25.   Eight retailers failed to offer customers the option of a full refund in the case of a defective product.

26.   Exceptions were made for calls regarding defective products, but such dispensations were entirely up to the company.

27.   Federal prosecutors in New Jersey are examining whether the company manufactured and sold defective products in violation of an earlier settlement with the government.

28.   Federal law requires companies to report to the agency problems, complaints and injuries resulting from defective products.

29.   For example, the report suggests officials could use laws protecting consumers against defective products to create standards for handguns.

30.   Generally, product liability is aimed at defective products.