Supreme Court to take up Mexico’s lawsuit against US gunmakers
The Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether the government of Mexico can sue the leading gun manufacturers in the U.S. for allegedly fueling drug cartel violence south of the border.
The justices announced Friday that they will hear the gunmakers’ challenge to an appeals court ruling that would allow the unusual, $10 billion lawsuit to proceed in federal court in Boston.
A district court judge threw the case out two years ago, citing a 2005 law Congress passed to block an increasing number of suits seeking to hold gun manufacturers liable for violence and deaths involving firearms.
However, the Boston-based 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in January said the suit could proceed because the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act was aimed solely at limiting suits over the domestic market in weapons and because Mexico had alleged that the companies’ conduct amounted to “aiding and abetting” gun smuggling.
Mexico contends in its suit that over a half million firearms a year made in the U.S. wind up in Mexico, often reaching drug trafficking cartels. The illicit flow of weapons undercuts Mexico’s strict gun laws, the suit claims.
The suit, which targets major U.S. gunmakers including Smith & Wesson, Glock, Colt and Beretta, claims that the companies’ distribution, sales and marketing practices encourage sales to so-called “straw” buyers, who often bring the guns to Mexico or furnish them to others who do.
The gunmakers asked the Supreme Court to take up the case, arguing that it amounts to a backdoor effort to impose gun regulations Congress hasn’t passed or has allowed to expire, such as the assault weapons ban that was in effect from 1994 to 2004.
“Mexico makes no secret that it abhors this country’s approach to firearms, and that it wants to use the American court system to impose domestic gun controls on the United States that the American people themselves would never accept through the ordinary political process,” the companies’ attorneys wrote.
The firearms manufacturers also say the suit is flawed because those who traffic the weapons into Mexico are committing “multiple independent criminal acts” that don’t involve the companies.
The gun-related case was included Friday on a broader list of cases the Supreme Court announced it would take up in its upcoming term, which begins Monday. Other cases the justices agreed to hear include a dispute about permits to store nuclear waste in west Texas, a criminal false statements case involving former Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley’s nephew, and a legal fight related to the Food and Drug Administration’s power to regulate vaping.
The newly added cases are likely to be scheduled for argument early next year.
In separate orders Friday, the Supreme Court turned down an effort by power companies to block a Biden administration rule to limit emissions of mercury and other toxic metals from power plants, and the court rejected a bid from Republican-led states to halt a rule to reduce methane emissions during energy production. No justice noted any dissent from either order.
Date: |
Topics
-
Tech - Wired
The US Is Loading Up on Bird Flu Vaccine
As more farm workers get sick with avian influenza, the US federal government is putting $72 million toward strengthening its vaccine stockpile.9 minutes ago -
Business - CNBC
Stellantis files federal lawsuit against UAW union over strike threats
Stellantis is suing the United Auto Workers, escalating a monthslong battle between the trans-Atlantic automaker and American union, CNBC has learned.15 minutes ago -
World - The Guardian
US supreme court will rule on $10bn suit Mexico filed against US gun makers
Mexico argues negligence from makers such as Colt and Glock has led to gun trafficking to drug cartels and criminals . The US supreme court said on Friday it will decide whether to block a $10bn ...1 hour ago -
Top stories - NBC News
Supreme Court declines to block Biden rules on planet-warming methane and toxic mercury emissions
The Supreme Court left in place Biden administration regulations aimed at curbing oil and gas facility emissions of methane, a major contributor to climate change.1 hour ago - Joe Biden -
Tech - Wired
Meta Can’t Use Sexual Orientation to Target Ads in the EU, Court Rules
Privacy activist Max Schrems has won another legal fight against Meta, this time limiting how the company can use off-platform activity—and public statements—to target ads.2 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Supreme Court declines to block Biden limits on methane, toxic pollution
The Supreme Court on Friday declined to block Biden administration limits on planet-warming methane from oil and gas production and toxic pollution from coal plants. The high court denied requests ...3 hours ago - Joe Biden -
Business - The New York Times
Supreme Court Lets Biden Plans on Mercury and Methane Move Forward
Republican-led states and industry groups argued that the Environmental Protection Agency had moved too fast and imposed onerous regulations.3 hours ago - Joe Biden -
Top stories - CBS News
Supreme Court allows EPA to enforce methane rule for oil, gas facilities for now
States and industry groups had asked the Supreme Court to pause the EPA's rule that aims to curb emissions of methane from new and existing oil and gas facilities.3 hours ago -
Politics - CBS News
Supreme Court won't pause EPA rule on toxic metal emissions from power plants
The case involves emissions requirements for coal-fired power plants first issued by the EPA in 2012.3 hours ago -
World - The Guardian
Dollar strengthens after US beats forecasts with 254,000 new jobs in September – as it happened
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news. US adds over 250,000 jobs in September, defying fears of slowdown The pound jumped as traders reacted to Huw Pill’s call for a ...4 hours ago -
Top stories - ABC News
South Carolina sets Nov. 1 execution as state ramps up use of death chamber
South Carolina has set a date of Nov. 1 date for its next execution as the state ramps up use of the death penalty after a 13-year pause4 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Supreme Court grants Biden administration request to hear nuclear fuel storage case
The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to settle a dispute over the temporary storage of nuclear waste in West Texas that could potentially upend decades of federal nuclear policy. Last year, the U.S. ...4 hours ago - Joe Biden -
Top stories - NBC News
Mexican gun dispute and a straight woman's sex discrimination claim among new Supreme Court cases
The Supreme Court took up several cases Friday ahead of its new term, including a bid by gun companies to evade a lawsuit filed by the Mexican government and a straight woman's claim of sex ...5 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Supreme Court to weigh in on Mexico's lawsuit against US gun manufacturers
The Supreme Court agreed Friday to take up the gun industry’s appeal of a ruling allowing the Mexican government to proceed with its lawsuit against several prominent American firearm ...5 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Supreme Court to review vape review venue
The Supreme Court agreed Friday to wade into another case implicating federal approval of vapes at the Biden administration’s request. The Justice Department hopes to crack down on looser rules ...5 hours ago -
Top stories - CBS News
Supreme Court takes up gun-makers' bid to end Mexican government's lawsuit
The Supreme Court said it will consider a bid by U.S. gun-makers to end a lawsuit from the Mexican government seeking to hold them liable for violence committed by drug cartels.5 hours ago -
Sports - CBS Sports
Tristan Wirfs gives honest take on Buccaneers collapse in fourth quarter: 'They gave it to us'
Wirfs said the Buccaneers didn't finish the job5 hours ago -
Top stories - ABC News
Supreme Court's new term takes on ghost guns, porn access and trans care bans
The U.S. Supreme Court begins a fraught new term on Monday with the nation deeply divided over its recent rulings and skeptical of the justices’ ethics and impartiality.9 hours ago -
Top stories - NBC News
North Korea leader Kim threatens to use nuclear weapons against the South if attacked
North Korea would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons if the enemy tried to use force to encroach on its sovereignty, state media reported Kim Jong Un as saying.16 hours ago - North Korea -
World - ABC News
Closely watched selection of Guatemala's new Supreme Court remains flawed, critics say
Guatemala’s Congress has selected the 13 new justices of the Supreme Court in a closely observed process that critics say still failed to rid the court of the influence of powerful interests17 hours ago -
World - The Guardian
Harris and Cheney blast Trump over January 6 as they make pitch to Republican voters – US politics live
Vice-president and Liz Cheney attack former president for 2020 election lies at Wisconsin campaign event. In a new Truth Social tirade on Thursday morning, Donald Trump accused Joe Biden and ...18 hours ago - Donald Trump -
Top stories - CBS News
How Los Angeles is addressing homelessness after Supreme Court ruling
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass discusses how she aims to solve the problem through a city initiative offering interim housing.18 hours ago -
Top stories - CBS News
The Supreme Court cases to look out for this term
The new Supreme Court term begins on Oct. 7. The last session saw consequential decisions, including giving presidents broader immunity, preserving abortion pill access and upholding a domestic ...18 hours ago -
Sports - Yahoo Sports
Live updates: Falcons get it done in overtime
Atlanta took a big leap in the NFC South on Thursday night, with Kirk Cousins leading the Falcons to a 3-2 record.20 hours ago -
World - Yahoo News
Mexico Top Court to Consider Request to Review Judicial Reform
20 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Trump points to Supreme Court’s Jan. 6 obstruction ruling for federal case’s dismissal
Former President Trump on Thursday asserted his federal election interference charges cannot stand after the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of a Jan. 6 rioter. The 14-page dismissal motion marks ...22 hours ago - Donald Trump -
Sports - ABC News
Les Miles moves lawsuit over vacated LSU wins from federal to state court
Former football coach Les Miles’ lawsuit against LSU and the NCAA over a decision to vacate 37 of his teams’ victories from 2012 to 2015 has been moved from federal court to state court23 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Justice Department takes action against Russian hacking group
U.S. officials have seized dozens of web domains used by Russian intelligence agents and their proxies to steal Americans’ information, the Justice Department announced Thursday. In a partially ...Yesterday - Russia -
World - ABC News
South Africa's top court will decide if impeachment proceedings against the president can be revived
South Africa’s Constitutional Court says it will hear a case next month brought by two opposition parties to revive impeachment proceedings against President Cyril RamaphosaYesterday -
Top stories - CBS News
The Supreme Court's new term starts next week. Here's what to know.
Supreme Court justices will take the bench Monday for the first time since issuing blockbuster decisions on guns, abortion and presidential immunity.Yesterday -
Top stories - BBC News
Athapaththu takes back-to-back wickets against Pakistan
Watch as Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu takes back-to-back wickets against Pakistan in their opening Women's T20 World Cup match in Sharjah.Yesterday - Pakistan -
Top stories - The New York Times
Could Trump Really Use the Justice Department to Lock Up His Enemies?
In a survey of 50 members of the D.C. legal establishment, many warn that Trump could follow through on his threats to prosecute his political adversaries.Yesterday - Donald Trump -
World - ABC News
EU is taking Hungary to court. It says a law targeting foreign influence really targets basic rights
The European Commission is taking Hungary’s right-wing government to court over laws that could allow the authorities to investigate and prosecute people accused of undermining the country’s ...Yesterday - European Union -
Top stories - NBC News
Jack Smith court filing against Trump and Israel strikes central Beirut: Morning Rundown
A new court filing from special counsel Jack Smith argues Donald Trump acted as a private citizen when he sought to overturn the 2020 election.Yesterday - Donald Trump -
Business - CNBC
Kalshi resumes taking bets on U.S. election after appeals court lifts freeze
KalshiEx offered customers contracts that bet on congressional election outcomes. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission objected.Yesterday
More from Politico
-
Politics - Politico
Capitol police chief: New intel bureau is key as Congress threats rise
23 hours ago -
Politics - Politico
Biden: Congress 'may have to' come back to approve Helene relief
4 days ago - Joe Biden -
Politics - Politico
Senior House Dem joins calls for Eric Adams to resign
September 27 -
Politics - Politico
Trump shooting task force emphasizes Secret Service failures in first hearing
September 26 - Donald Trump -
Politics - Politico
Gaetz says he will no longer voluntarily cooperate with House Ethics probe
September 26