Supreme Court rules Mexico cannot blame U.S. gunmakers for cartel violence
The Supreme Court recently delivered a unanimous ruling in favor of seven U.S. gun manufacturers who were facing a lawsuit from the Mexican government. The lawsuit alleged that the manufacturers were involved in illegal gun sales to Mexican cartels. The court’s decision in Smith & Wesson Brands v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos clarified that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, a law that shields gun makers from lawsuits, did not have exceptions that would allow the Mexican government to sue.
Justice Elena Kagan, writing for the court, emphasized that the allegations made by Mexico did not meet the requirements of the law’s exceptions. The law would only allow a lawsuit against the manufacturers if they directly caused harm to Mexico. The court concluded that the “proximate cause” standard meant that the manufacturers could not be held responsible for the actions of various parties involved in the complex distribution chain that ultimately led to the Mexican cartels.
The case took place against a backdrop of political and diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Mexico. The Trump administration had been urging Mexico to tighten its border security to prevent the flow of drugs and migrants into the U.S., while Mexican officials were calling for measures to prevent military-style firearms from reaching Mexico. This issue has been at the heart of the drug crisis affecting both countries.
During the legal proceedings, Mexico’s attorneys argued for a $10 billion civil suit to be filed in U.S. courts, citing the country’s strict gun sale regulations. The gun manufacturers, on the other hand, defended their standard business practices and claimed they had no knowledge of their products being unlawfully transported into Mexico.
As this story continues to develop, it is essential to stay informed about the latest updates. Ashley Oliver, a reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business covering the Justice Department and legal affairs, can be contacted for any story tips at ashley.oliver@fox.com. Keep an eye out for further developments on this case.
