This week we’ve been discussing the Law and Social Change. I want you to continue thinking about how law is used to change society for both the better and the worse. Click on the link to listen to “The Daily” podcast titled “Can gunmakers be held accountable for mass shootings (Links to an external site.)” Then answer the questions below in a 300 word response, and upload them to Canvas by the stated deadline. 1. How do you feel about the strategies being used by individuals like David Wheeler to get around the P.L.C.A.A.? 2. After listening to this podcast, how do you feel about laws ability to create positive social change?

QUESTION

This week we’ve been discussing the Law and Social Change. I want you to continue thinking about how law is used to change society for both the better and the worse. Click on the link to listen to “The Daily” podcast titled “Can gunmakers be held accountable for mass shootings (Links to an external site.)” Then answer the questions below in a 300 word response, and upload them to Canvas by the stated deadline.

1. How do you feel about the strategies being used by individuals like David Wheeler to get around the P.L.C.A.A.?
2. After listening to this podcast, how do you feel about laws ability to create positive social change?

This critical writing response is an discussion type and you need to answer the 2 questions above.

ANSWER

The Power of Law in Shaping Society: Examining Strategies and Impacts

Introduction

Law plays a crucial role in shaping society, as it can either promote positive social change or hinder progress. In “The Daily” podcast episode titled “Can gunmakers be held accountable for mass shootings,” the discussion revolves around strategies employed by individuals, such as David Wheeler, to circumvent the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (P.L.C.A.A.). This prompts reflection on the effectiveness of laws in driving positive social change.

Strategies to Navigate the P.L.C.A.A.

The P.L.C.A.A., a federal law passed in 2005, provides immunity to gun manufacturers from lawsuits pertaining to the criminal misuse of their products. It poses significant challenges for those seeking accountability and change in the context of mass shootings (New York County Lawyers Association, 2023). Individuals like David Wheeler, a parent of a Sandy Hook shooting victim, have adopted alternative strategies to bypass the P.L.C.A.A. and hold gun manufacturers accountable.

The strategies employed by individuals like Wheeler, such as suing gun manufacturers based on deceptive marketing practices, raise ethical and legal questions. While these approaches may seem unconventional, they stem from the frustration of victims’ families and advocates who believe that gun manufacturers should share some responsibility for the misuse of their products (“How to Combat Fake News and Disinformation | Brookings,” 2023). These strategies aim to challenge the prevailing legal barriers and foster a shift in societal attitudes towards gun safety and accountability.

Personally, I empathize with the motivations of individuals like David Wheeler, as they seek justice and aim to prevent further tragedies. Their strategies represent a persistent drive for change and recognition of the broader implications of gun violence. However, it is essential to critically evaluate the potential consequences and long-term implications of circumventing established laws.

Law’s Potential for Positive Social Change

After listening to the podcast, I recognize both the limitations and potential of law in fostering positive social change. The P.L.C.A.A. illustrates how legal frameworks can serve as barriers to accountability, hindering progress towards gun control and safety measures. It highlights the need for legislative reform and reevaluation of existing laws that may impede justice and societal betterment.

However, the podcast also showcases the power of legal strategies in initiating conversations, raising awareness, and creating momentum for change. While the P.L.C.A.A. may pose challenges, the efforts made by individuals like Wheeler and organizations fighting for gun control contribute to public discourse and can influence societal attitudes (Abdalla et al., 2020). Even when immediate legal victories are not achieved, these strategies can gradually shape public opinion, mobilize communities, and eventually lead to legislative reforms that prioritize public safety.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of law in creating positive social change depends on various factors, including public sentiment, political will, and the ability to challenge and adapt legal frameworks. It is crucial to recognize the ongoing nature of social change and the importance of multidimensional approaches that combine legal strategies, advocacy, public education, and community engagement.

Conclusion

The strategies employed by individuals like David Wheeler to circumvent the P.L.C.A.A. demonstrate the determination to challenge existing legal barriers and seek justice in the face of mass shootings. While these strategies may raise ethical and legal questions, they underscore the urgent need for reform and reevaluation of laws that impede positive social change. This podcast episode highlights the potential of law to drive societal transformation, serving as a catalyst for conversations, awareness, and eventual legislative changes. To achieve meaningful change, it is essential to combine legal strategies with broader societal engagement, advocacy, and education to shape public opinion and mobilize communities towards a safer and more just society.

References

Abdalla, S. M., Keyes, K. M., & Galea, S. (2020). A Public Health Approach to Tackling the Role of Culture in Shaping the Gun Violence Epidemic in the United States. Public Health Reports, 136(1), 6–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033354920965263 

How to combat fake news and disinformation | Brookings. (2023, June 27). Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/research/how-to-combat-fake-news-and-disinformation/ 

New York County Lawyers Association. (2023, January 26). The United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York: A Retrospective (1990-2014 – New York County Lawyers Association. https://www.nycla.org/resource/committee-report/the-new-york-county-lawyers-association-committee-on-the-federal-courts/