The Role of Litigation in Combating Obesity Among Poor Urban Minority Youth: A Critical Analysis of Pelman v. McDonald's Corp.

Authors

Ashley B. Antler, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Abstract

The note argues that litigation, particularly when focused on low-income urban minority youth, could serve as a strategic tool to address childhood obesity by reframing the issue and catalyzing policy and industry change. It critiques the Pelman v. McDonald's Corp. lawsuit for failing to address the socioeconomic and racial disparities underlying obesity rates, thereby missing an opportunity to advance meaningful solutions. The analysis suggests that public health litigation, when strategically framed, can complement broader advocacy efforts and push for environmental changes to combat the obesity epidemic.

Disciplines

Food and Drug Law | Health Law and Policy | Law | Legislation

Recommended Citation

Ashley B. Antler, The Role of Litigation in Combating Obesity Among Poor Urban Minority Youth: A Critical Analysis of Pelman v. McDonald's Corp., 15 Cardozo J. Equal Rts. & Soc. Just. 275 (2009).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cardozoersj/vol15/iss2/4