[tbontob]

Yes, limiting access to the courts and/or limiting the remedies available could be the first step to despotism.

Like it or not, the courts are one of the lynchpins on which our society rests. It is one of the means by which a person can stand up to a powerful individual, government or corporation.

Everyone is entitled to his day in court. Even if it is a frivolous claim.

But the courts have the right (and will often exercise it) to award costs against the party who frivolously initiates a suit or defends one where there is no viable defense.