Brian J. Siebel

About the author: Brian J. Siebel is a senior attorney with the Legal Action Project of the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence in Washington, D.C.

The gun industry should be sued and held liable for the harm caused by its products. Gun manufacturers have not taken advantage of technology that would keep their products out of the reach of children. The industry is also at fault because its distribution system helps funnel guns into the hands of criminals and teenagers. In addition, the gun industry has been irresponsible in its marketing of handguns and assault weapons. Lawsuits against the gun industry would be the best way to bring about reform and reduce the incidence of gun violence.

[In 1998,] New Orleans became the first city in the nation to...