The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case brought by Mexico against major American gun manufacturers amid claims that these companies are indirectly responsible for escalating violence fueled by drug cartels. The lawsuit alleged that the manufacturers failed to enforce proper safeguards, allowing firearms to be trafficked into Mexico, where they contribute to deadly crimes.
Smith & Wesson recently attempted to have the suit thrown out, prompting the high court to hear the case.
At the center of the lawsuit is the accusation that gun manufacturers designed weapons favored by cartels and granted criminals easy access to high-powered firearms.
Mexico argued that this negligence exacerbated cartel violence, resulting in numerous civilian and law enforcement casualties.
The gun companies assert that they are protected under U.S. law by the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which shields manufacturers from liability when their products are used in criminal activities.
They maintain that they sell firearms legally and cannot be held responsible for the consequences that occur after the sale.
Lower courts permitted Mexico’s lawsuit to proceed, but the Supreme Court’s ruling will determine whether the case can advance. If the court rules in favor of Mexico, it could pave the way for additional international lawsuits against U.S. gun manufacturers, potentially reshaping the firearms industry.
According to the lawsuit, over $250 million worth of firearms are trafficked into Mexico annually. The upcoming hearing is expected to attract significant attention from both gun control advocates and Second Amendment defenders, with the outcome likely to establish a new legal precedent for holding gun manufacturers accountable for their products abroad.
