[emodendroket]

Class-action lawsuits are the best tool we have -- even if the money each individual gets as part of a settlement is a pittance, in aggregate they do give companies at least some disincentive for unethical/illegal conduct.

[wool_gather]

While I don't disagree that they're effective, I'd say "best" is not true. They're not any more effective than (enforced) regulation. The only difference is where the money ends up -- private sector lawyer pockets or the public coffers. All else being equal, I'd rather the latter.