It could and occasionally did file suits against auditors or their firms, and bar them from auditing public companies.

Such a change might make it easier to win judgments against auditors.

Further, it is good to see the importance of the problem of litigation against auditors expressed so firmly.

The Review notes an increase in the number of complaints against registered auditors, but puts this down to growing recognition of the Institute as a regulatory body.

The company also assigned the plaintiffs its claims against its former executives and auditors, and volunteered internal records to help in those cases.

Interior officials said on Friday that they had no choice but to drop their order to Chevron because a department appeals board had ruled against auditors in a separate case.

Lawsuits brought against auditors based on statutory provisions differ from those under common law.

In 2007 the SEC filed a civil injunctive action for fraud against outside auditors for the city and its pension system.

Administrators have been given greater access to confidential documents, which could facilitate taking legal action against auditors and other advisers.

For example, it is not just private organisations and individuals who take legal action against auditors.