California’s strict liability laws protect consumers injured by defective products. CACI No. 1202 explains how juries determine whether a product contains a manufacturing defect—a flaw that affects a specific unit rather than the overall design.
What Is CACI No. 1202?
CACI No. 1202 helps jurors distinguish between a manufacturing defect and other product defects. The focus is on whether the particular product that caused the injury deviated from what the manufacturer intended to produce.
Full Text of CACI No. 1202
CACI No. 1202. Strict Liability – “Manufacturing Defect” Explained
A product contains a manufacturing defect if the product differs from the manufacturer’s design or specifications or from other typical units of the same product line.
New September 2003
Legal Foundation
California’s strict liability doctrine is grounded in Civil Code principles and landmark case law, including Greenman v. Yuba Power Products, which established that manufacturers may be held liable for defective products regardless of negligence.
How Juries Apply This Instruction
Under CACI 1202, jurors evaluate whether:
- The product deviated from its intended design or specifications, and
- The deviation can be shown by comparing it to properly manufactured units from the same product line.
A single flawed unit can be enough to establish liability.
Illustrative Example
If an electric switch in one batch is assembled with incorrect internal contacts and causes an electrical arc, jurors compare that switch to other properly manufactured units to determine whether it deviated from design specifications.
Practical Considerations in Manufacturing Defect Cases
Successful claims often rely on:
- Exemplar products for side-by-side comparison
- Manufacturing and quality-control records
- Expert testimony identifying deviations from design or specifications
These cases frequently turn on technical proof rather than corporate intent.
Speak With a Product Liability Lawyer
If you were injured by a product that failed due to a manufacturing error, California’s strict liability laws may apply. WIN Injury & Accident Trial Lawyers can evaluate your case under CACI No. 1202 and help you understand your legal options.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Products Liability Case?
| Entity | How They May Be Liable |
|---|---|
| Manufacturers | Liable for defects in design, manufacturing, or failure to warn when the product is unsafe as intended or foreseeably used. |
| Component-Part Makers | Liable when a defective component causes injury, or when they fail to warn about dangers associated with the part’s intended use. |
| Distributors & Suppliers | Liable for placing defective products into the stream of commerce, even if they did not manufacture the product. |
| Wholesalers & Retailers | Liable for selling defective products to consumers, regardless of fault or knowledge of the defect. |
| Importers | Liable for bringing unsafe foreign-made products into the U.S. market and ensuring compliance with safety and warning requirements. |
Get Help From WIN Injury & Accident Trial Lawyers
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies often undervalue pain and suffering—offering minimal settlements that ignore your daily struggles. A skilled attorney can:
- Present powerful evidence of your emotional and physical suffering
- Retain expert witnesses to quantify your losses
- Use verdict data to justify higher multipliers or per diem rates
- Argue your case persuasively before a jury
At WIN Trial Lawyers, our team fights to ensure that your recovery reflects the full extent of your suffering—not just your bills.
At WIN Trial Lawyers, we know how personal injury claims can be can be. Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Our team has successfully taken on insurance companies and third parties, recovering millions for injured clients.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t leave your future in the hands of the insurance company. You need experienced trial lawyers who know how to prove liability and fight for maximum compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t face this alone. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
