Liability for PTSD-related violence Article

Veraldi, DM, Veraldi, L. (2000). Liability for PTSD-related violence . 18(1), 17-25.

cited authors

  • Veraldi, DM; Veraldi, L

authors

abstract

  • Violent behavior often is predicted by exposure to stressors capable of producing PTSD. Violent reactions by those with PTSD may be triggered by media content ranging from scenes of violence to seemingly neutral cues like color. Should media companies be held responsible for the violent acts of individuals with PTSD whose actions are triggered by media content? Both the First Amendment and traditional concepts of liability, including foreseeability of harm, argue against liability for media content that may trigger PTSD-related violence. However, there are sound policy reasons to extend liability for future PTSD-related violence to those responsible for the stressors that produce PTSD in the first place particularly if such potential liability serves as an incentive to provide resources for treatment to mitigate the effects of a traumatic incident and reduce the possibility of future violence.

publication date

  • January 1, 2000

start page

  • 17

end page

  • 25

volume

  • 18

issue

  • 1