A timely counterweight to the troubling political movement to roll back regulations that protect public safety, the American Museum of Tort Law opened in Winsted, Connecticut this past weekend. As the NYT describes,
The museum aims to describe the evolution of the law regarding negligence and liability, and it features some of the most groundbreaking cases of the late 20th century. These include decisions involving the Dalkon Shield (a dangerous intrauterine device) and the Ford Pinto (whose gas tank was prone to explosive burning in accidents), as well as the historic lawsuits that laid low tobacco companies and the asbestos industry.
The founder is consumer advocacy pioneer Ralph Nader, who (according to the article)
also dreams of having drama students re-enact famous tort trials in a mock courtroom here and streaming the cases online to high schools, colleges and law schools. The staff hopes to arrange frequent school tours and to keep a visible online presence.
One exhibit is dedicated to Nader's most famous crusade — the cause of auto safety — and his book Unsafe at Any Speed.
The whole Times story is here.
Check out the museum's website, here.