Compensation crazy : do we blame and claim too much?

Big compensation pay-outs make the headlines. New style "claims centres" advertise for accident victims promising "where there's blame, there's a claim".

Many commentators fear Britain is experiencing a US-style compensation craze.

But what's wrong with holding employers and businesses to account? Or are we now too ready to reach for our lawyers and to find someone to blame when things go wrong?

These questions and more are discussed by four experienced professionals in the field.In this text, contrasting approaches to this topical and contentious question are presented by various specialists on the subject.The Institute of Idea's mission is to expand the boundaries of public debate through organizing conferences, discussions and salons, and publishing written conversations and exchanges in a hope to play a part in shaking up a culture that seems to shy away more and more from confrontation and the clash of ideas.

This series aims to present thought-provoking arguments.