Supreme Court rules on $10 billion Mexican lawsuit against US gun makers

The US Supreme Court will hear a case involving Mexico’s $10 billion lawsuit against leading weapons manufacturers.

Mexico claims that these companies are responsible for smuggling weapons to drug cartels, contributing to the violence.

It alleges that the gun manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson and Glock, knowingly allowed guns to be sold to dealers.

Legal protection in question

The case challenges the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (2005), which protects gun manufacturers from liability for crimes committed with their products.

It was initially dismissed by a district court in 2021, but the 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals revived it, allowing some claims to be heard under specific exceptions.

Potential impact on the sector

The gunmakers claim the lawsuit seeks to impose gun control regulations through the courts and could create legal challenges for the industry.

The Supreme Court’s decision will determine whether the lawsuit goes forward and could have significant consequences for gun manufacturers.