A gun industry trade group and 14 gun companies have filed a lawsuit in federal court, claiming that a New York law that makes it easier to file lawsuits is unconstitutional.
Getty images.
Getty.
A new law was signed in July by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo that allows government agencies and private individuals to file civil lawsuits against those involved in the sale, production, distribution, import and marketing of firearms.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation said in a statement that the New York law is designed to blame gun companies for misuse or unlawful possession of firearms in New York regardless of where they were purchased.
The law was challenged on the basis that it attempts to overrule a federal law that protects gun makers from being sued.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement that they would fight the lawsuit and wouldn't back down.
New York has a law that requires gun companies to make reasonable controls to prevent firearms from being possessed, used, marketed or sold illegally. The sellers are expected to use screening to prevent the theft of products or sales tostraw purchasers, traffickers, persons prohibited from owning firearms under state or federal law, or persons at risk of injuring themselves or others. State and local government groups and anyone who has been damaged due to noncompliance with the law can file civil lawsuits over violations, meaning victims of gun violence could hold gun companies responsible in court. Cuomo declared a disaster emergency against gun violence in July. The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act is a 2005 federal law that shields gun manufacturers from being held liable when their products are used in crimes. James said that the New York law protects the public from federal overreach.
Gun makers are challenging a New York law.
Gun Makers are challenging the addition of firearms to the N.Y. law.
