Smith & Wesson Brands v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos
The Court Blocks Mexico's Lawsuit Against Gun Manufacturers
Smith & Wesson Brands v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos was featured in Gun Manufacturer Liability, Supreme Court Debates (April 2025). The following is excerpted from the unanimous opinion written by Justice Elena Kagan, as prepared by the Court Reporter of Decisions. Because Mexico’s complaint does not plausibly allege that the defendant gun manufacturers aided and abetted gun dealers’ unlawful sales of firearms to Mexican traffickers, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) bars the lawsuit. Federal aiding and abetting law reflects the view that a person may be responsible for a crime he has not personally carried out if…
