U.S. Gun Makers Seek Supreme Court Intervention in Mexico's $10 Billion Lawsuit

A group of U.S. gun manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson Brands and Sturm, Ruger & Co, have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear their appeal against Mexico's $10 billion lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that the gun companies facilitated the trafficking of firearms to violent drug cartels across the U.S.-Mexico border.

The gun manufacturers argue that a lower court wrongly concluded the case qualified for an exception to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), a U.S. law that grants the firearms industry broad protection from lawsuits over the misuse of their products. The companies contend that without the Supreme Court's intervention, the U.S. firearms industry would face years of costly litigation by a foreign sovereign trying to impose gun control measures rejected by American voters.

Mexico claims that over 500,000 guns are trafficked annually from the U.S. into Mexico, with more than 68% made by the companies it sued. The country argues that this contributes to high rates of gun-related deaths, declining investment, and economic activity. Mexico maintains that the gun companies undermined its strict gun laws and facilitated the illegal trafficking of firearms.

Why this matters: The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the U.S. firearms industry and its liability for the misuse of its products in foreign countries. It also highlights the ongoing issue of gun trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border and its impact on violence and crime in Mexico.

The gun companies deny any wrongdoing, stating their products are "lawfully made and sold." They argue that Mexico's lawsuit has no place in American courts and that allowing the case to proceed could subject them to suits by any foreign government trying to impose gun control measures on the U.S.

The case was initially dismissed by a federal judge, citing the PLCAA's protections for gun manufacturers. However, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston later concluded that Mexico's claims fit within a narrow exception to this liability shield, as the court found that the gun makers and a distributor had aided and abetted the illegal trafficking of guns to Mexico.

The gun manufacturers now seek to reinstate the PLCAA's protections and dismiss Mexico's lawsuit. They argue that the 1st Circuit's ruling defies the Supreme Court's past precedents and should not have been allowed to move forward. "Mexico's suit has no business in an American court," the companies stated in their petition to the Supreme Court.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. gun makers appeal $10B Mexico lawsuit to Supreme Court.
• Lawsuit alleges gun makers facilitated trafficking to drug cartels.
• Gun makers argue lawsuit violates PLCAA liability shield law.
• Outcome could impact gun industry liability for misuse abroad.
• Case highlights issue of gun trafficking across U.S.-Mexico border.