Sun Sep 15 13:54:49 UTC 2024: ## Gun Violence: Blaming the Guns, Not the Guns Makers
Following the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, the conversation around gun violence once again turns to criminalization. But, according to a recent article in Truthout, focusing on criminalizing gun ownership is not the answer. Instead, the article urges a focus on holding gun manufacturers accountable for their role in the crisis.
The article points to a rising tide of state legislation and lawsuits that aim to hold the firearms industry responsible for the damage caused by their products. While the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) has historically shielded gun manufacturers from lawsuits, recent legal wins, like the settlement with Remington Arms Co. over the Sandy Hook shooting, demonstrate a shift in the legal landscape.
The article highlights several states, including New York, California, Maryland, and others, which have enacted laws allowing for civil litigation against the gun industry for creating a “public nuisance.” This strategy draws parallels to successful lawsuits against Big Tobacco and the opioid industry, suggesting that the gun industry should face similar accountability.
The article also emphasizes the importance of community-based alternatives to the criminal legal system, such as Save Our Streets and Man Up!, which offer noncarceral interventions.
While recognizing that financial settlements won’t undo the trauma of gun violence, the article argues that holding the industry accountable could deter them from aggressive marketing practices and contribute to a safer future. As more states consider gun control measures, the article calls for continued pressure on the industry to take responsibility for their role in the gun violence crisis.
First Piper 