Judge Rules Smith and Wesson Can Be SUED for NEGLIGENCE

Published on July 13, 2021
Duration: 9:47

A California judge has ruled that Smith & Wesson can be sued for negligence related to the marketing of their M&P-15 rifle. The lawsuit stems from a 2019 synagogue shooting, where the perpetrator used a Smith & Wesson firearm. The judge's ruling focused on the marketing of the rifle, suggesting it was negligent, and also allowed the gun store that sold the firearm to be sued. The ruling touches on the potential for firearms to be modified for fully automatic fire and the legal implications of marketing practices.

Quick Summary

A California judge ruled that Smith & Wesson can be sued for negligence in marketing their M&P-15 rifle. The lawsuit, stemming from a 2019 shooting, alleges negligent marketing practices and the potential for the rifle to be modified for fully automatic fire.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Smith & Wesson Lawsuit
  2. 00:30California Shooting and Legal Ruling
  3. 00:49Details of the Lawsuit and Judge's Decision
  4. 01:31Negligent Marketing Claims
  5. 02:14Full-Auto Conversion Debate
  6. 03:18AR-15 Style vs. M&P-15
  7. 04:12Marketing to Young People
  8. 04:48Gun Store Liability and Age Laws
  9. 05:42Broader Implications of the Ruling

Frequently Asked Questions

Can gun manufacturers be sued for negligence in California?

Yes, a California judge ruled that Smith & Wesson can be sued for negligence related to the marketing of their M&P-15 rifle. The lawsuit alleges that the marketing practices were negligent and contributed to a shooting incident.

What specific marketing practices were deemed negligent by the judge?

The judge found sufficient negligence in Smith & Wesson's marketing of the M&P-15 rifle. The lawsuit specifically cited marketing that allegedly portrayed the firearm as accurate and reliable, and suggested it could be easily modified for fully automatic fire.

Can gun stores be sued if a firearm is used in a crime?

In this case, the judge allowed the gun store that sold the firearm to be sued. This was partly due to the shooter being underage for long gun purchase in California without specific exemptions, raising questions about the legality of the sale.

What is the significance of the M&P-15 being an 'AR-15 style' rifle in this lawsuit?

The lawsuit claims the M&P-15, being an AR-15 style rifle, was designed to be easily modified for fully automatic fire. This potential for modification was a key factor in the judge's decision to allow the negligence lawsuit against Smith & Wesson to proceed.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Reno May

View all →