Holding Gun Makers Accountable - A Conversation with Jonathan Lowy

How can holding gun manufacturers legally accountable reshape the fight against gun violence?

In a world where accountability in various industries is becoming increasingly scrutinized, the unique legal immunity of gun manufacturers, as granted by the Protection of Lawful Commerce and Arms Act (PLCAA) in 2005, poses a controversial exception. This challenges law firms and the legal industry to explore novel approaches and international avenues to advocate for change and justice in a landscape resistant to traditional civil litigation.

In this episode of the Cut to the Chase: Podcast, we're joined by Jonathan Lowy, the tenacious legal strategist behind Global Action on Gun Violence. We invited Jonathan on the show to delve into his groundbreaking work challenging the long-standing protections afforded to gun manufacturers and his effort to refashion the conversation around gun-related harm and policy as a human-rights issue.

Did you know that Jonathan Lowy and his organization are part of a landmark human rights action in the Inter American Commission on Human Rights, representing victims of the tragic Parkland shooting? This is a bold move that underscores how US gun policies are not just a domestic concern but a human rights dilemma scrutinized on an international stage.

Listeners can expect a riveting conversation that not only sheds light on the dark corners of the gun industry but also equips them with insights into innovative legal tactics being employed to tackle one of today's most pressing issues.

Episode Rundown:

   - The special legal status of gun manufacturers and the impact of the PLCAA

   - Exploring the role of gun marketing tactics in gun violence

   - How Global Action on Gun Violence is pioneering new strategies to hold the gun industry accountable

   - The implications of gun violence as an international human rights issue

   - The influence of U.S. gun policy on international concerns like drug cartels and migration

   - The potential for safety innovations in firearms and the resistance from manufacturers

   - A discussion of ongoing litigation efforts, including the groundbreaking case filed on behalf of the Mexican government

Key actionable takeaways:

   - Consider the role that international law and human rights litigation can play in circumventing domestic legal barriers

   - Analyze the importance of corporate accountability in litigation strategy

   - Explore the incorporation of public welfare considerations into legal practices and case arguments   

As we bring this episode to a close, remember that justice often requires us to Cut to the Chase and uncover not just the surface issues but the underlying rights and responsibilities at the heart of our society. And sometimes, it's about challenging the untouchable status quos and creating movements that transcend borders.

Join us next time for more insightful discussions that push the envelope of legal practice.