Ralph Nader Shows Why Tort Law Matters

Ralph Nader Shows  Why Tort Law Matters
Ralph Nader’s American Museum of Tort Law in Winsted, Conn., uses Roy Lichtenstein-style graphics to explain famous David versus Goliath lawsuits. Photo from American Museum of Tort Law

If Salisbury, Conn., resident Tom Morrison’s new book, “Please Pass the Tort$,” makes you want to learn more about laws designed to protect the public, perhaps it’s time to finally check out the American Museum of Tort Law in Winsted, Conn.

The museum was created by Winsted native and four-time presidential candidate Ralph Nader, who is most famous for his work as a consumer advocate.

The museum is on Main Street in Winsted and is closed for the winter until April. But the website at www.tortmuseum.org offers a virtual tour through the history of some of the most famous law of wrongful injury in cases in the history of American jurisprudence.

The 6,500-square-foot museum is the first dedicated to the law in the United States. It is in the former Winsted Savings Bank and opened in 2015. Like Morrison’s book, it treats serious subjects in an engaging, friendly way, with comic book-style drawings that inform visitors about famous cases of individuals versus corporations.

Some of those cases  are vaguely familiar (the scalding hot McDonald’s coffee, the dangerously combustible Ford Pinto); the museum exhibits, all of which you can see online, explain concisely and simply what the issues were and how they were resolved.

However you feel about Ralph Nader and either his campaigns for the presidency or his strong advocacy for consumer rights, there is one thing that no one should ever doubt, and that is the immensity of Nader’s heart and his love for his Northwest Corner community. Nader has been unfailingly supportive of The Lakeville Journal and on many occasions reached out to help us in our process of converting to nonprofit status.

People sometimes scratch their heads and wonder why Nader thought it was a good idea to open a tort museum in Winsted at 654 Main St.  (across the street from the ambulance garage, which many people seem to find very comical).

It only takes one conversation with Nader to understand that his intention in opening the museum was 100% to create an institution that might conceivably draw visitors to his beloved hometown; and that would help regular citizens to understand that they have rights and power in the face of big corporations, thanks to tort law.

Latest News

Salisbury ski jumpers put on show for students

Gus Tripler prepares to jump from the new 36-meter jump.

Margaret Banker

SALISBURY - With the Winter Olympics just weeks away, Olympic dreams felt a little closer to home for Salisbury Central School students on Feb. 4, when student ski jumpers from the Salisbury Winter Sports Association put on a live demonstration at the Satre Hill Ski Jumping Complex for more than 300 classmates and teachers.

With screams of delight, student-athletes soared through the air, showcasing years of training and focus for an audience of their peers. The atmosphere was electric as the jumpers soaked up the attention like local celebrities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - February 5, 2026

Legal Notice

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Salisbury will hold a Public Hearing on Special Permit Application #2026-0307 by Amber Construction and Design Inc for vertical expansion of a nonconforming structure at 120 Wells Hill Road, Lakeville, Map 36, Lot 09 per Section 503.2 of the Salisbury Zoning Regulations. The Owners of the property are Joseph Edward Costa and Elyse Catherine Nelson. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM. There is no physical location for this meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom where interested persons can listen to & speak on the matter. The application, agenda and meeting instructions will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. The application materials will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/planning-zoning-meeting-documents/. Written comments may be submitted to the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, P.O. Box 548, Salisbury, CT or via email to landuse@salisburyct.us. Paper copies of the agenda, meeting instructions, and application materials may be reviewed Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury CT.

Keep ReadingShow less
Putting a stamp on Norfolk

Antonio Alcalá

Provided

As part of the Norfolk Economic Development Commission’s campaign to celebrate the Norfolk Post Office and the three women who run it — Postmaster Michelle Veronesi and mother-and-daughter postal clerks Kathy Bascetta and Jenna Brown — the EDC has invited USPS art director and stamp designer Antonio Alcalá for a visit.

Postage stamps designed by Antonio Alcalá.Provided

Keep ReadingShow less