US judge rejects challenge to Washington state law that could hold gun makers liable for shootings
Source: AP
Updated 7:29 PM EST, March 8, 2024
SEATTLE (AP) A federal judge on Friday rejected a challenge to a Washington state law that cleared the way for lawsuits against the gun industry in certain cases. The measure was one of three bills signed by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee last year seeking to address gun violence.
It requires the industry to exercise reasonable controls in making, selling and marketing weapons, including steps to keep guns from being sold to people known to be dangerous or to straw buyers. It allows the attorney general or private parties, such as the family members of shooting victims, to sue for violations or damages under the states Consumer Protection Act.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation, a trade association, challenged the law in U.S. District Court in Spokane, saying the measure violates the Second Amendment as well as the free-speech rights of its members. U.S. District Judge Mary K. Dimke rejected the lawsuit in a decision Friday, saying the organization had not established legal standing to challenge the measure.
She noted that its members were neither being sued under the law nor had expressed an intent to violate its terms. This law protects Washingtonians from gun violence by ensuring that gun industry members face real accountability when their irresponsible conduct harms our communities, Democratic Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who is running for governor, said in a news release.
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/washington-gun-firearm-liability-inslee-ferguson-9ceda0a7bde9cc1d293fe53b22ada5ff
GreenWave
(6,766 posts)They could have said Judge upholds gun makers can be held liable.
BumRushDaShow
(129,465 posts)I.e., like - "Judge refuses to allow suit to block law that won't give immunity to gun makers..."
twodogsbarking
(9,810 posts)Now where did I hear that?