The parents of Jessica Ghawi, who was shot and killed by James Holmes when he opened fire in an Aurora, Colorado, movie theatre, sued Lucky Gunner and The Sportsman’s Guide, from whom Holmes bought ammunition online, asking for an injunction to prevent the defendants from selling ammunition to dangerous individuals through the Internet. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit and, under a Colorado gun shield law, ordered the parents to pay over $200,000 to the defendants to reimburse them for their legal fees. The parents, who travel the nation in support of gun violence victims, reportedly declared bankruptcy and said they would never pay money to those whom they believed bore responsibility for their daughter’s death. 

Questions 

What is the impact of the Colorado law, which only applies to lawsuits against gun manufacturers? What if Congress passed legislation, now being considered, that would impose penalties on those bringing frivolous lawsuits? Do you consider actions like that brought by Ghawi’s parents “frivolous”? Explain.