Opinion ID: 2525263
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Degree of Moral Blameworthiness

Text: The primary moral responsibility for plaintiffs' injuries undoubtedly rests with the assailant, Ferri. At the same time, one may note that whereas Ferri [apparently acted in the emotional grip of an irrational obsession, Navegar's president and marketing director apparently acted in the rational calculation of profit and market share. These corporate officers distributed in the general civilian market a menacing-looking handgun notable chiefly for its high firepower and relatively low price. Aware of the gun's disproportionate use by and popular association with violent criminals, they made no attempt to limit distribution or redirect marketing, instead celebrating the increased sales that came with notoriety. Great as it is, Ferri's blameworthiness does not completely eclipse Navegar's.