Question

Using your understanding of torts, both intentional and negligent, discuss whether gun manufacturers, sellers or distributors should be found civilly liable (not criminally) for mass shooting deaths.

Answer 1

answer-

I believe that Manufacturers not but seller or distributors could be held liable for civil wrong leading to events like mass shooting deaths. Under tort law which is a civil wrong done by a party and cause harm to another. If it is done intentionally then it is intentional tort but if person failed to act as reasonable person and breaches their duty owed to people around and cause harm then it is negligence tort.

Manufacturer who has license to manufacture guns make guns for security of society and nation not murder or mass shooting. On the other hand, Sellers or distributors have duty to sell guns with proper investigation, checking all documents, license etc of buyer. Aks them reason why they are buying guns for what purposes etc. if Seller or distributor sells gun to a buyer without checking ID proof and legal documentation then seller breached his duty of care. After some day suppose the buyer killed bunch of people with that same gun then seller could be held liable for negligence tort as he did not act as a reasonable person.