Mail-Order Gun Kits and Fingerprint-Resistant Pistols: Why Washington Courts Should Impose a Duty on Gun Manufacturers to Market Firearms Responsibly

Authors

Amy Edwards

Abstract

Plaintiffs have historically been unsuccessful in suing gun manufacturers for injuries inflicted by the criminal acts of third parties. Until recently, with one exception, courts uniformly found no basis for liability under either strict liability or general negligence claims. In three recent cases, however, courts have imposed a duty under negligent-marketing theories. These theories have yet to be tested in Washington. This Comment examines the potential viability of a lawsuit by victims of gun violence against gun manufacturers for negligent marketing in Washington. It ultimately concludes that Washington courts can and should impose a duty on gun manufacturers to refrain from marketing their products in a manner that increases the risk that the guns will be used for criminal activity.

First Page

941

Recommended Citation

Amy Edwards, Notes and Comments, Mail-Order Gun Kits and Fingerprint-Resistant Pistols: Why Washington Courts Should Impose a Duty on Gun Manufacturers to Market Firearms Responsibly, 75 Wash. L. Rev. 941 (2000).
Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.uw.edu/wlr/vol75/iss3/6