Supreme Court Unanimously Rejects Mexico's $10 Billion Lawsuit Against U.S. Gunmakers

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously rejected Mexico's lawsuit against American gun manufacturers, citing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). Mexico sought $10 billion, alleging the gunmakers knowingly enabled illegal firearm sales to cartels. The lawsuit claimed the companies aided and abetted violations of federal firearms laws through their business practices. Justice Kagan stated that Mexico's complaint did not plausibly demonstrate that the manufacturers deliberately facilitated crimes. The court found that failing to monitor dealers or cut off "bad apple" dealers was not sufficient to establish aiding and abetting. Design and marketing choices of firearms were not enough to demonstrate culpability under U.S. law. The Court acknowledged cartel violence but maintained that Mexico's allegations were insufficient to overcome PLCAA's liability shield. Democrats in Congress have introduced legislation intended to reduce the flow of guns across the border. The Supreme Court's ruling is now available for review.