Killer Connection: Judge Throws Out Suit Against Makers Of Violent Movie

This article examines a recent court decision that scrutinized the entertainment industry’s liability in violent crimes that claim to be inspired by entertainment products. The article summarizes a lawsuit in which a couple murdered a convenience store clerk during the robbery. The convenience store clerk’s family claimed that the couple was inspired by the movie, “Natural Born Killers” and sought damages from the film’s producers. Although the case was eventually dismissed, the author argues it warrants attention by the entertainment industry because it was a direct challenge to the industry’s right to free speech. This article further discusses the ramifications of this case and also how the case might have turned out differently under alternative circumstances.