This work comprehensively covers the complex field of products liability and addresses the liability of commercial product sellers and distributors for harm caused by their products.

It supersedes § 402A of the Restatement Second, Torts and responds to issues that became serious points of contention in the courts but were not part of the products liability landscape when the earlier provision was adopted in 1964. It articulates clear answers regarding whether a product is defective by formulating three distinct categories of product defect and the legal standards appropriate to each: manufacturing defects; design defects; and inadequate instructions or warnings defects. The work also develops special rules for component parts, prescription drugs and medical devices, food, and used products.

Reporters:

James A. Henderson, Jr., Cornell Law School

Aaron D. Twerski, Brooklyn Law School