Bankruptcy Law

More than 1 million U.S. households declared bankruptcy in 2004. Alarmed by rising defaults, the nation's lenders and political leaders alike set out to reform laws that clear away debt.

To some, reforming these laws will put a lid on irresponsible consumer spending sprees.

But some consumer advocates argue that banks and credit card issuers have only themselves to blame for marketing and supplying ill-advised loans.

Is this political action timely consumer protection or an unwarranted corporate bailout? ""Bankruptcy Law"" covers these issues and more, examining each from different perspectives.