Does Federal Law Prevent Mexico From Suing Gun Manufacturers for the Criminal Use of Their Weapons?
Pros
Smith & Wesson Brands et al., Petitioners In 2005, the U.S. Congress passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which shields gun manufacturers like Smith & Wesson from liability for the criminal misuse of their products by a third party. The law provides an exception, however, if a company knowingly violates a firearm law. In 2021, the Mexican government filed suit against seven gun companies, including Smith & Wesson, Beretta, Colt and Glock, and one wholesaler for costs the nation had incurred in fighting drug cartels equipped with their firearms. These weapons had been manufactured in…
