The US Supreme Court decides whether Mexico can sue gun manufacturers

THE US Supreme Court will hear a case brought by Mexico against major US arms manufacturers including SMITH & WESSON as the company bids to have the case dismissed. MEXICO CLAIMS THAT THESE COMPANIES ARE INDIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INCREASE IN VIOLENCE CAUSED BY DRUG CARTELS. The lawsuit alleges that gun manufacturers have allowed firearms to be trafficked into Mexico, fueling deadly crimes.

At the heart of the case is the accusation that manufacturers have failed to enforce proper safety measures and design weapons favored by the cartels, giving criminals easy access to desirable, high-powered firearms. MEXICO SAYS THIS NEGLIGENCE HAS EXERCISED CARTEL VIOLENCE, LEAVING THOUSANDS OF CITIZENS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT DEAD OR INJURED.

THE GUN COMPANIES SAY THEY ARE PROTECTED BY US LAW. THE PROTECTION OF FAIR TRADE IN ARMS LAW PROTECTS MANUFACTURERS FROM LIABILITY WHEN THEIR PRODUCTS ARE USED FOR CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES. THE COMPANIES CLAIM THAT THEY SELL THEIR FIREARMS LEGALLY AND ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SALE.

LOWER COURTS HAVE ALLOWED MEXICO’S LAWSUIT TO CONTINUE, BUT THE SUPREME COURT WILL NOW DETERMINE WHETHER THE CASE WILL CONTINUE. IF THE COURT CHOOSES MEXICO, IT COULD OPEN THE DOOR TO MORE INTERNATIONAL LAWSUITS AGAINST U.S. gun manufacturers, potentially reshaping the firearms industry.

ACCORDING TO THE LAWSUIT, MORE THAN $250 MILLION DOLLARS OF FIREARMS ARE SUPPLIED TO MEXICO EACH YEAR.

THE HEARING IS EXPECTED TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF BOTH GUN CONTROL LAWYERS AND DEFENDERS OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT. THE OUTCOME COULD SET A NEW LEGAL precedent in how arms manufacturers are held accountable for their products abroad.

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FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS… I AM LAUREN TAYLOR.