Listeners Club

Forgot Password

Not a Member? Sign up here!

banner

Local Headlines

Ruling against gun-maker draws mixed reaction

Gun control advocates and gun rights supporters have conflicting opinions about a Connecticut Supreme Court ruling that reinstated a lawsuit against gun-maker Remington and how it marketed the rifle used on 12/14.

The state high court ruled 4-3 Thursday that part of a lawsuit by victims' families alleging wrongful marketing can proceed, despite a 2005 federal law that shields gun-makers from liability in most cases when their products are used in crimes.

Gun control advocates are touting the ruling as providing a possible roadmap for victims of other mass shootings to circumvent the long-criticized federal law, which has blocked lawsuits over other mass shootings.

Gun rights supporters say the decision is judicial activism and overreach and predict the lawsuit will ultimately fail.

Remington is declining to comment.  A spokesman for the Madison, North Carolina, company says it would not be commenting on Thursday's ruling and there is no timetable for a public response. Messages were left with lawyers representing the company.

The mother of one of the children killed at Sandy Hook School says a new court ruling is a step toward holding Remington accountable for the way it marketed the rifle.  Nicole Hockley said Thursday that Remington and other gun makers need to stop gearing their advertising toward troubled young men.  Ian Hockley says all they want is their day in court and for a jury to decide their case.

Bill Sherlach lost his wife, Mary, in the shooting. She was the school psychologist.  He says this is another step forward in the discovery process to peel back the layers of the corporate entity and find out what their objectives were under the marketing of this particular product.

David Wheeler lost his son, Ben. He's pleased that they'll be able to look into the marketing of AR-15 style rifles.  He says there's a reason this particular product is the one that's used by people who want to inflict the most damage, and there's examples of that time and again.

Attorney Josh Koskoff acknowledged that the court ruled out most arguments because of a law that protects gun makers from liability when their products are used in a crime.  He says nobody is above the law and the company should not engage in reckless marketing of a dangerous product.  Koskoff says instead of promoting violence use of weapons, he wants Remington to get engaged and protect the public.

On Air Now

Red Eye Radio

Local Headlines