Supreme Court Dismisses Mexico's Legal Action Against U.S. Gun Manufacturers

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court dismissed a high-profile case that addresses the liability of U.S. gunmakers in relation to Mexico’s ongoing battle with drug cartels.

In a decisive 9-0 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Mexican government against American gun manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson. The court upheld a 2005 legislation that protects gun manufacturers from being held liable for criminal misuse of their products. Mexico had claimed that American gun firms are directly contributing to the influx of illegal firearms that fuel violence in the country. The ruling additionally overturns a previous decision that permitted Mexico’s case to advance in lower courts. The court’s skepticism was evident during a hearing in March, where justices from various ideological backgrounds raised doubts about the merits of Mexico's argument. This significant ruling marks the first occasion the Supreme Court has addressed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, a law that limits the ability of governments and individuals to sue gun manufacturers for wrongful acts committed with their weapons.