Heavy Hitters Line Up in Support of U.S.
Gunmakers in Lawsuit Challenge

When it comes to gun rights litigation, the nation's "heavy hitters" are lining up behind the firearms industry and federal law by submitting amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court, which will hear arguments next March 4 whether a lawsuit filed by the Mexican government against U.S. gunmakers should be thrown out or allowed to move forward.

The case is known as Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., et.al., v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and National Rifle Association (NRA)—in cooperation with the FPC Action Foundation and Independence Institute—have all submitted briefs to the high court this week.

Interest in this case is not surprising, as the initial lawsuit by the Mexican government is not only a direct challenge to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which protects the firearms industry from harassment "junk" lawsuits, it also would undermine Congress' authority to adopt any regulatory legislation, say critics.

Mexico's lawsuit was originally rejected by U.S. District Judge Dennis Saylor—a George W. Bush appointee—in 2022. However, his decision was appealed to the liberal Boston-based U.S. First District Court of Appeals and overturned earlier this year. The lawsuit was originally filed in August 2021, seven months after the Joe Biden administration came into power. .....