BELLEVUE, Wash. — June 5, 2025 — In a landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court docket handed a significant win to the firearms group right now by throwing out the First Circuit’s ruling in Estados Unidos Mexicanos v. Smith & Wesson Manufacturers, Inc., et. al.
Initially filed in 2021, the lawsuit sought billions in damages alleging the American gun producer was accountable for Mexican drug cartel violence. The case had been correctly dismissed by the district courtroom, however that call was subsequently reversed by the First Circuit Court docket of Appeals, permitting the case to proceed. SAF filed an essential Amicus Temporary with the Supreme Court docket within the case explaining how unhealthy lawfare in opposition to gun producers finally damage the American public by choking out entry to constitutionally protected items.
“The final word purpose of this lawsuit was easy – bankrupt the firearms business, on the final peril of the American individuals,” stated SAF Govt Director Adam Kraut. “Fortunately, the Supreme Court docket noticed by way of this thinly veiled try and wield the authorized system as a cudgel in opposition to lawful commerce.”
SAF’s transient within the case outlined the historical past of firearms litigation and defined why each the Safety of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) and customary legislation prohibit lawsuits premised on the authorized concept Mexico – in cahoots with a number of gun management teams – tried. Put merely, gun producers can’t be held accountable for lawfully manufacturing and putting into the stream of commerce, authorized (and constitutionally protected) items, if finally these items are criminally misused.
“Mexico was merely attempting to carry U.S. firearms producers accountable for cartel violence dedicated of their nation,” stated SAF founder and Govt Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “That is precisely the kind of unhealthy religion lawsuit the PLCAA was designed to dam on the courtroom steps. In reaffirming these primary rules, the Supreme Court docket has despatched a transparent message to that they’re going to wish to return to the drafting board to invent a brand new disingenuous method to assault our rights.”
For extra info, go to saf.org.
The Second Modification Basis (saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt training, analysis, publishing and authorized motion group devoted to safeguarding and selling the elemental rights of people enshrined within the Second Modification of the USA Structure. SAF engages in aggressive authorized motion to make sure the rules of armed self-defense, private liberty, and the possession of arms are defended, secured, and restored. Via public training initiatives, SAF teaches the significance of the Second Modification to advertise a society that values and workout routines the proper to maintain and bear arms.
