Gun Laws And 2a
Federal appeals court upholds New York public nuisance law against gunmakers
2nd Circuit affirms state’s ability to sue firearms industry under public‑health legislation
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍New York, NY
On July 10, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued a unanimous decision rejecting a challenge from the National Shooting Sports Foundation and fourteen major manufacturersincluding Glock, Beretta, Smith & Wesson, and Rugerto NewYork's 2021 public nuisance law. This statute allows NewYork State, local governments, and private citizens to pursue civil claims against firearms manufacturers, wholesalers, and dealers when their products contribute to gun violence. Circuit Judge Eunice Lee, writing for the court, found that the law does not conflict with the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act of 2005, which generally shields the gun industry from liability. Lee wrote that Congress intended to preserve causes of action for knowing violations of state firearms sales and marketing laws, and that NewYorks law is sufficiently precise in guiding compliance and limiting liability. The court also rejected constitutional challenges under the dormant Commerce Clause, citing the laws neutral application across intrastate and interstate sales and its intent to protect public health. A concurring opinion from Judge Dennis Jacobs criticized the law as a broad public nuisance statuteenforceable by a mob, but nonetheless agreed with the ruling. As part of