Will Suing Gun Manufacturers Save Lives? High levels of fear about crime
has resulted in efforts to reduce the incidence of violent crime. The most
recent example is lawsuits against gun manufacturers.
Beginning in late 1998, a series of cities, beginning with New Orleans,
Chicago, and Boston, filed lawsuits against gun manufacturers modeled on
those that target the tobacco industry. The suits allege that gun manufacturers
produce defective products by failing to install safety devices on handguns,
and violate public nuisance laws by making guns available to criminals.
The cities want to recoup costs incurred from gun-related violence, such
as emergency medical services, hospitalization, and lost work time for
victims. The suit filed by the City of Chicago alone seeks damages of $433
million.
The central issue is the extent to which gun manufacturers should be
held liable for the misuse of a dangerous product by criminals. What is
your opinion?
For views pro and con see "Will
Suing Gun Manufactuers Save Lives?" by John Lott at www.junkscience.com/news2/lott3.htm
and "Liability
Suits Against Negligent Gun Manufactuers" at www.handguncontrol.org/legalaction/dockets/docket.htm
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