Explain the concept of product liability

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Reference no: EM133264677

Assignment:

Research the Exploding Ford Pinto Cases and the GM faulty ignition switch cases. Support all answers with legal rationale. All items below should be addressed in your research.

1. Compare and contrast both cases. Present the facts in both cases.

2. What area(s) of law do both these cases potentially fall under? Why ... Explain

3. Are car manufacturers protected from being sued by individual customers? Explain and support your answer with facts.

4. Explain the concept of "Product Liability".

5. Explain the Lemon Law. Would either of the cases fall under the "Lemon Law"? Why or why not. Explain.

6. Was there a cover-up at Ford regarding the knowledge of the Exploding Pinto? Discuss

7. Was there a cover-up at GM regarding the Knowledge of the Ignition Switch problem? Discuss

8. Why did the jury award punitive damages against Ford? Would the awarding of punitive damages be appropriate for the GM ignition case?

9. On what basis do the courts uphold punitive damages?

10. Suppose the jury put Lee Iacocca (CEO Ford at the time of the Ford Pinto Case), Robert Alexander (FORD) or Harold McDonald (FORD) or Fritz Henderson, Past GM CEO, or Edward Whitacre, Past GM CEO or Mary Barra newly appointed CEO of GM in prison for their oversight and decisions regarding their product designs. What are the pros and cons of imposing criminal sentences as compared to issuing punitive damage rewards?

11. Ultimately, what happened to both of these iconic cases?

12. Discuss the Cost/Benefit Analysis which is often used by car manufacturers. Do companies have an ethical responsibility to their customers and the citizens in this global society regarding product defects and release of information?

13. Will tougher laws bring about greater accountability within these large corporations? Research what standards/regulations/laws have been implemented in the auto industry since the exploding Pinto and present your opinion regarding the success of greater accountability in the last decade.

You may find it helpful to review the following:

GRIMSHAW v. FORD MOTOR CO. 119 Cal.App.3d 757
Melton v. General Motors et. al.,
There are several resources on the Internet highlighting these cases and the background information leading up to the cases

Reference no: EM133264677

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