11.   The California False Claims Act lets individuals sue companies they believe have defrauded state or local governments.

12.   The court ruled on whether an individual may sue a state for damages in federal court under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

13.   The measure would broaden California law to make it easier for individuals to sue for securities fraud and recover money looted from their retirement savings accounts.

14.   The money would be distributed to private individuals currently suing the industry for damages and to states suing to recoup Medicaid costs associated with sick smokers.

15.   The privacy laws can be interpreted differently in different countries, and the directive specifically allows individuals to sue companies on their own.

16.   The settlement would also provide the industry immunity from future class action lawsuits, although individuals could still sue.

17.   Under current federal law, Robinson noted, an individual can only sue an HMO for the actual cost of some denied treatment.

18.   Would have allowed individuals to sue companies for continuing pollution problems.

19.   Alabama is trying to fend off lawsuits by the two state employees, arguing that individuals cannot sue states for financial damages under the Americans With Disabilities Act.

20.   It also ruled, however, that international law does not permit individuals to sue the Japanese government over wartime compensation cases.