INVESTIGATION OF PRODUCTS-LIABILITY ATTITUDES AND OPINIONS - A CONSUMER PERSPECTIVE

The ares of product safety and products liability legislation has been the subject of a great deal of academic research. Policymakers and bu siness executives have been surveyed to determine their attitudes towa rd liability and product safety concerns. In addition, a substantial a mount of research has focused on the impact of products liability tria l outcomes on business and public policy. However, there are relativel y few studies reporting opinions, attitudes, and predispositions of co nsumers regarding relevant liability topics. This article explores the consumer perspective on several critical questions relating to produc ts liability and product safety. The results indicate a wide divergenc e of opinion exists among consumers on key issues shaping current tren ds in the products liability legal environment. Implications for consu mers, business, and public policy are discussed.