Last of a nine-part series taking a a look inside America's courtrooms.

The number of child gun deaths in America is increasing, and on 29 March 1992, two-year-old Brittany Newton became part of this sad statistic. She was killed at her Florida home when her three-year-old brother Jonathan got hold of their father's pistol and accidentally shot her. She died instantly.

Ernie and Mona Newton faced added trauma when it emerged that the state of Florida planned to prosecute them for causing the death of their daughter. Although Jonathan had pulled the trigger, prosecutors claimed his parents were responsible under a 1989 statute requiring gun owners to store loaded firearms out of the reach of children. Supporters of the Newtons collected 1,000 signatures on a petition, but the State Attorney ruled that the prosecution must go ahead.
Sue Ellicott looks back on the compelling trial that followed.

(Stereo) (Subtitled)

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