Human Gene Therapy

Genes are the basic units of heredity. Human genes contain information that tells the body how to work. They are responsible for cellular structure and function. When a gene is defective, it prevents the cell from carrying out its normal functions.

Household Chemical Litigation

Almost any household chemical can be dangerous if swallowed or spilled. It is estimated that the average home in America contains over 60 toxic chemicals. Some of the commonly used household products that can be dangerous are air fresheners, ammonia, bleach, carpet and upholstery shampoos, dishwasher detergents, drain cleaners, furniture polishes, mold and mildew cleaners, oven cleaners, antibacterial cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners. The injuries that these products can cause range from mild skin irritation to death.

Strict Liability in Aviation Accidents

According to the Aircraft Crashes Records Office, the year 2002 had the lowest number of aviation accident deaths since 1947. There were 154 plane crashes, which killed 1,379 people. While pilot error often plays a role in airplane accidents, the aircraft manufacturer or the company that produced an airplane part may also be liable for injuries or deaths caused by the accident.

Household Refrigerator Safety Act

The headlines are too familiar and too tragic: "Children, 4 and 7, Found in Old Refrigerator, Dead From Suffocation." The Household Refrigerator Safety Act (Act) was passed to prevent children from becoming trapped inside refrigerators and suffocating to death.

The Food and Drug Administration's Oversight of Human Cloning Technology

In 1996, Dolly the sheep became the first large animal cloned from a bioengineered embryo that had been implanted in a ewe's womb. It took 277 attempts before a viable lamb was born. Other animals have been cloned to date, but successful cloning has not occurred often and various abnormalities have been seen. In 1999, it was reported that DNA had been found in Dolly's cells, which was typical of an older animal.