We are starting our study of Torts. These are not pastries! They are “civil wrongs,” for which the legal society believes payment or punishment (monetary) ought to occur. I’m sure

We are starting our study of Torts. These are not pastries! They are “civil wrongs,” for which the legal society believes payment or punishment (monetary) ought to occur. I’m sure you all are aware of some egregiously bad lawsuits that have been filed by people against other people, businesses, or a governmental body. You may discuss these as part of your posts. At the end of my mini-lecture on Torts, I explain a continuum of change in the law regarding product liability. Notice that if it were up to manufacturers, consumers would be responsible for the safety of any products they buy, and would have to bear the burden of inspecting and using them properly (pure “caveat emptor” – let the buyer beware). At the other end, consumers would like manufacturers (and dealers) of products to be responsible for any damages or injuries caused by those products at any point after purchase and for anyone using or affected by the product (“absolute liability”). story shows that many products are much more complicated than they used to be, and perhaps the common consumer cannot understand the product well enough to be responsible for its safe use. So here is the question: Should we really leave it up to the court system (common law) to make that determination, or should statutory law settle the matter?  Your thoughts, .