Policy Summary
The Connecticut Supreme Court recently ruled 4-3 that the families of nine victims from the Sandy Hook shooting can sue Remington Arms for its marketing practices. The gun manufacturer has been accused of specific marketing of their assault rifles targeting the exact demographic of the Sandy Hook shooter (young men).
Analysis
In 2005, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) was passed to protect gun manufacturers from being sued by victims of gun violence. This ruling in favor of the victims from Sandy Hook may provide the opportunity to establish a new precedent in gun violence lawsuits by getting around the PLCAA.
Previous to this ruling, gun manufacturers have fought hard to keep secret the way they market their AR-15s, which have gained national attention, as they are commonly used in some of the deadliest mass shootings. The families of Sandy Hook victims are suing Remington to further understand the goals and objectives of their marketing techniques.
Some are comparing the secretive nature of gun manufacturers’ marketing to tobacco companies who were fully aware of the health risks of their product or to big pharma companies who knew the addictive nature of their products. While it may not be as obvious as the tobacco companies who had hundreds of health documents outlining the risks of smoking, the families of the Sandy Hook victims believe Remington is fully cognizant of who they are marketing their assault rifles to and the dangers that possesses.
Engagement Resources
- March For Our Lives – an organization started after the Parkland school shooting which aims to unify advocates for gun control around relevant issues. You can also find more information about the Road to Change tour on their website. Consider donating or canvassing during the midterm elections on these issues with this organization.
- Everytown – A movement of Americans working to end gun violence and build safer communities.
Contact
This Brief was written by U.S. RESIST NEWS Analyst Sarah Barton: Sarah@usresistnews.org
Photo by Rux Centea