NCJ Number
183547
Date Published
February 2000
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This report discusses legislation that would limit consumer rights in product liability lawsuits and would shield small businesses from punitive damages, presents the results of a telephone survey to determine which firearms manufacturers would benefit from this legislation, and profiles 11 companies that manufacture guns.
Abstract
The Small Business Liability Reform Act would limit the amount awarded against companies that engage in willful misconduct if the company employs fewer than 25 full-time persons. Results of a telephone survey conducted in February 2000 revealed that the small-business cap would protect many manufacturers of assault weapons, Saturday Night Special handguns, and 50-caliber sniper rifles. The legislation would protect gun companies from product liability lawsuits and from lawsuits such as those filed by cities and counties alleging that the gun industry has engaged in negligent distribution and marketing practices. The company profiles focus on the number of employees, the guns produced each year, the specific guns, and events in the company's history. Tables and photographs