# Uninjured man first in line for Batman shooting lawsuit **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 27, 2012, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588 "2012-07-27T17:24:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/161 "2012-07-31T16:17:56Z")
> [@Deeg](#): > > I’m sure we’ve had this discussion before, but what can we do to minimize stupid lawsuits like this? Make kicking lawyers in the nutsack an Olympic sport? ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/162 "2012-07-31T16:18:25Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > “Welcome to the Homeland Cinema 50. Folks, for your viewing safety, we’ve added a security feature to the back doors. When one is opened, a light will go on, and an alarm will sound and continue to sound as long as the door remains open”. Which will absolutely thwart all but the world’s most ingenious would-be mass killers who, I dunno, stuff weapons into their coat pockets before entering the theater. Oh shit. I hope they’re not reading this! ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/163 "2012-07-31T16:24:37Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Instead of asking vague questions, just tell us what _you_ think would be adequate security for a movie theatre in such situations. Keep in mind that this theatre had sixteen screens. Seriously. Herding an audience into a crowded, dark room, and allowing access to those helpless patrons through an unsecured rear door (one bypassing the lobby) is a recipe for disaster. I realize fire regulations prevent boarding up those exits, but those regulations don’t prohibit restricting ingress to the building via those doors. This is a major issue and will be one of the major issues for everyone filing a lawsuit over this incident. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/164 "2012-07-31T16:26:06Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > Which will absolutely thwart all but the world’s most ingenious would-be mass killers who, I dunno, stuff weapons into their coat pockets before entering the theater. > > Oh shit. I hope they’re not reading this! And you may well find metal detectors in theater lines when this is over. After all, they have them in courtrooms, airports and schools, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/165 "2012-07-31T16:27:56Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > Seriously. Herding an audience into a crowded, dark room, and allowing access to those helpless patrons through an unsecured rear door (one bypassing the lobby) is a recipe for disaster. I realize fire regulations prevent boarding up those exits, but those regulations don’t prohibit restricting ingress to the building via those doors. > > This is a major issue and will be one of the major issues for everyone filing a lawsuit over this incident. So are you going to answer the question or not? ---
**Author:** ![BottledBlondJeanie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/0ea827/32.png) [@BottledBlondJeanie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BottledBlondJeanie)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/166 "2012-07-31T16:31:30Z")
The theaters seem to realize this may be a new liability risk as there were about 10 off-duty cops outside the showing of Batman I attended this weekend. I’ve heard this from friends in other locales, too. Initially, it’s a response to the threat of copycats, but one of my partners has just been asked to review the safety policies and procedures for small theater chain. ---
**Author:** ![artemis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@artemis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/artemis)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/167 "2012-07-31T16:34:03Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > And you may well find metal detectors in theater lines when this is over. After all, they have them in courtrooms, airports and schools, etc. No, we won’t. And that’s because installing metal detectors will put theaters out of business. Why would I subject myself to an intrusive search when I can just stay home and watch Netflix? And are you going to put metal detectors on grocery store doors, shopping mall doors, post offices, bus stations, private businesses, all sporting complexes large and small, etc.? Because if not, all that happens is that the nutso killer shifts his attack to another venue. Absolute security and a free, open society are diametrically opposed. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/168 "2012-07-31T16:37:26Z")
> [@BottledBlondJeanie](#): > > The theaters seem to realize this may be a new liability risk as there were about 10 off-duty cops outside the showing of Batman I attended this weekend. I’ve heard this from friends in other locales, too. Initially, it’s a response to the threat of copycats, but one of my partners has just been asked to review the safety policies and procedures for small theater chain. I’ll bet dollars to donuts that every theater chain is scrambling to review their safety procedures as well as updating their insurance after this incident. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/169 "2012-07-31T18:32:58Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > “Welcome to the Homeland Cinema 50. Folks, we’ve got two lines. Checkpoint wait time is currently estimated at 30-45 minutes. Reminder to remove your shoes and empty your pockets, removing all metal objects before you pass through the scanner. Please have your ticket and a valid photo ID ready. Sir, you can’t bring that through. Yes, I know you bought it at the concession stand. No liquids are allowed through.” You forgot to include that the price of a movie is now $45 to pay for the TSA screeners. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/170 "2012-07-31T18:48:15Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > So it is foreseeable, but not predictable? Does this mean the theater is not obligated to make any changes to protect their patrons? Absolutely. It is not in their scope of duty to protect me from all the nutjobs in the world. And I’d prefer if they didn’t even try, because all it’s going to do is inconvenience the 99.99% of theater goers who aren’t whackadoodles. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/171 "2012-07-31T18:54:21Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > I’ll bet dollars to donuts that every theater chain is scrambling to review their safety procedures as well as updating their insurance after this incident. Thank you for continuing to point out that people overreact in the face of tragedy, Capt. Obvious. What would an adequate measure of security consist of, in your opinion? ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/172 "2012-07-31T19:15:28Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Thank you for continuing to point out that people overreact in the face of tragedy, Capt. Obvious. > What would an adequate measure of security consist of, in your opinion? Shall we, once again, talk about _restricting access to the theater_ from the parking lot? I mean, I’ve only mentioned that what, 5 times already? Cliffs note version for you **Czarcasm** Secure Rear Door access. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/173 "2012-07-31T19:22:49Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > Shall we, once again, talk about _restricting access to the theater_ from the parking lot? I mean, I’ve only mentioned that what, 5 times already? > > Cliffs note version for you **Czarcasm** > Secure Rear Door access. So restricting entry to the the main front door of the theatre would be enough of a security measure as far as you are concerned? ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/174 "2012-07-31T19:25:37Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > So restricting entry to the the main front door of the theatre would be enough of a security measure as far as you are concerned? Of course, if they come through the front door guns blazing the employees will be the first to die. The entire crowd trying to exit through the tiny emergency door might cause some issues though. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/175 "2012-07-31T19:25:44Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > So restricting entry to the the main front door of the theatre would be enough of a security measure as far as you are concerned? That’s not what I said. Front is that way, rear is the other way. When you can tell front from rear, we’ll try this again. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/176 "2012-07-31T19:28:02Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > That’s not what I said. Front is that way, rear is the other way. When you tell front from rear, we’ll try this again. Substitute “main” for “front”, then. Would this be enough of a security fix in your opinion? edited to add: To rephrase the question, would changing the access rules to the way you have previously described them be the only change necessary to make in your opinion? ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/177 "2012-07-31T19:28:14Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > Shall we, once again, talk about _restricting access to the theater_ from the parking lot? I mean, I’ve only mentioned that what, 5 times already? Envisioning James Holmes walking up to the back door of the theater, armed with sufficient ammunition to take out a small village. He reaches out and jiggles the door handle. It’s locked. “Dammit! Foiled again!” (Shoulders slumped, he walks back to his car.) P.S. You can’t restrict access any more than they do already. It’s a fire code violation. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/178 "2012-07-31T19:35:03Z")
No it’s not. The fire code requires egress from the building. People need to leave a burning building. Ingress is not required. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/179 "2012-07-31T19:37:32Z")
Wasn’t it already locked from the outside, though? Wasn’t that why he went inside and propped it open? You could lock it from the inside but then you’re just going to get sued the next time a theater of patrons burns up waiting for a manager to come unlock the door. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2012, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588/180 "2012-07-31T19:41:53Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > Wasn’t it already locked from the outside, though? Wasn’t that why he went inside and propped it open? You could lock it from the inside but then you’re just going to get sued the next time a theater of patrons burns up waiting for a manager to come unlock the door. I think it was marked as a one-way exit door, and the proposal was that it be changed to an alarmed emergency door, I think. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninjured-man-first-in-line-for-batman-shooting-lawsuit/629588.md?page=10)