Campaign calls on Supreme Court to abolish 200-year-old anti-American law

Historic legal precedent has potential to fuel American recovery

New York, NY (September 25, 2012) - In the lead-up to the United States Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Kiobel V. Royal Dutch Shell, an online campaign is giving voice to American citizens concerned with a 200-year-old legal restriction that has been stifling domestic prosperity and innovation for decades.

The site UntieOurHands.com sheds light on frivolous legal cases — commonly referred to as ‘SLAPP suits’ (a strategic lawsuit against public participation) — brought against corporations engaged in overseas manufacturing and resource extraction.

Coca-Cola, BP, Chevron, Dole and Ford are among the industry leaders weighing in on a landmark legal case that accuses Shell Oil of “crimes against humanity.” On October 1, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide if Shell is responsible for the arrest, torture and public execution of Nigerian oil activists.

Radicals are already taking advantage of this Supreme Court case to attack some of America's most beloved brands. On October 1st we must ensure that common sense and justice triumph over these dangerously misguided agitators.

The centuries-old law, called the Alien Tort Statute (ATS), has tied up billions of dollars in court fees since 1990. The statute, which allows victims to sue human rights abusers in America, has been erroneously applied to corporate entities. Historically, nations and individuals are the only perpetrators charged under ATS.

Untie Our Hands spokesperson Carson Boyd says this outdated law needs to be removed to promote healthy economic recovery.

“Because we work in volatile countries like Nigeria, Burma and Papua New Guinea, human rights advocates get us confused with the corrupt dictatorships we’re forced to cooperate with,” says Mr. Boyd. In Shell’s case, tortures and extrajudicial killings were sanctioned by military dictator Sani Abacha; Shell is merely alleged to have provided paramilitary funding.

“As industry leaders, we suffer through endless accusations and litigation — all in the name of bringing consumers affordable and innovative products,” says Mr. Boyd. “We need the freedom to do what we do best: create jobs and deliver quality goods and services.”

Untie Our Hands asks that American enterprise be free from this archaic legal provision, allowing them the liberty to do business abroad without fear of reprisal in the American justice system.

“We put fuel in your gas tank, food on your table and shoes on your feet,” Carson said. “We’re driving the American economy, and for this we deserve the public’s trust — especially when it comes to spreading the prosperity of free markets abroad.”

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For more information, please contact:
Carson Boyd
info@untieourhands.com
202-643-8376