ScottDLS wrote:
Obviously I was a little "tongue in cheek" in my initial post.
Yes, I got that. However this is a serious matter and a subject worth correcting/repeating until people get it right.
I understand the terminology "negligent discharge", but I don't necessarily buy into the religious fervor demanding its use in all cases.
I do not apply it to ALL cases, just where it is reasonable (as in this case). Though… most firearms mishaps involve some degree of negligence.
An accident is by definition something that is unintentional. It can be the result of negligence, as in this case, but the term accident is still accurate.
I think we need to be very careful where firearms are concerned NOT to relieve the actor of accountability, responsibility, culpability ….simply because He/She “didn’t mean to”.
No responsible person leaves home intending/expecting to have their firearm discharge (un-manipulated). But, if a person…fails to take precautions to secure their firearm against the former, they are clearly guilty of negligence. I
think you’ll find in the forthcoming civil suit that the jury clearly understands what IS and what ISN’T an “accident”. 
Many, if not most, car accidents are the result of negligence (distracted, speeding, drunk, etc.).
Agreed.
We still call them accidents unless someone intentionally hit someone.... Car negligents?
No, call it what it is: A wreck (they vary in severity). The fact that a person might not have wanted the resulting outcome, intended it to happen, or expected it, is too easily afforded them. What we need to look at is:
Did the actor know (or should know) that his/her actions could significantly increase the likelihood of an unwanted event. If yes, then let’s NOT let them hide behind “I didn’t mean to”/ accident.
I understand the distinction that is trying to be made. I just don't feel compelled to force change in the vernacular to make a political point...that is probably lost on most people anyway.
If you truly understand…then join in and help change the misuse of the term “Accidental Discharge” (most are not).
And there is nothing “political” about my position on this. I want to see Gun Owners more actively “policing our own” instead of seeking to dilute or excuse our infractions.
Now…I am not saying that legitimate accidents don’t happen, just pointing out… that when closely examined… most of these events could reasonably have been expected, avoided, circumvented.
“Unintentional” (by itself) will be a hard sell ….if I’m on the jury.
