Tech-Bilt, Inc. v. Woodward-Clyde & Associates

I respectfully dissent.

The new rule adopted by the majority will require trial courts to apply an unworkable standard to every settlement. It will clog our trial courts with unnecessary hearings, discourage the settlement of legitimate claims, and severely strain the resources of the parties and the trial and appellate courts of this state.

The majority hold that in determining whether a settlement was made in good faith within the meaning of Code of Civil Procedure section 877.6,1 the trial court must inquire “whether the amount of the settlement is within the reasonable range of the settling…