The Supreme Court has agreed to assess a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Mexico against major U.S. gun manufacturers, accusing them of contributing to violence in Mexico through their commercial practices.
The gun makers have requested the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court’s decision that allowed the lawsuit to proceed, despite legal safeguards shielding the firearm industry.
The big picture: Although a federal judge dismissed a large portion of the lawsuit on different legal grounds, Mexico may potentially appeal this dismissal based on its claims that the gun companies were aware their weapons were being trafficked into Mexico and profited from the market.
- Mexico asserts that about 70% of firearms smuggled into Mexico originate from the United States, and names like Smith & Wesson, Beretta, Colt and Glock are among the defendants in the case.
Driving the news: Initially filed in 2021, the lawsuit was rejected by a district court citing protections for gun makers from liabilities related to criminal firearm use, but was revived by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals through an exception to this law.
- The gun manufacturers have appealed this revival to the Supreme Court, arguing that they have abided by legal practices and challenging the jurisdiction of American courts over this case.
- In a recent development, U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor in Boston dismissed the case against six out of the eight companies, stating that Mexico failed to provide concrete evidence linking these companies’ Massachusetts operations to suffering caused in Mexico by firearms.
- Despite some claims still standing and the possibility of an appeal, gun makers fear that the 1st Circuit’s ruling could have long-lasting implications for the industry if it is upheld, potentially causing prolonged legal uncertainties.
