Why Mexico Sued U.S. Gun Makers & What SCOTUS Said | Jonathan Lowy

Can Mexico hold American gun makers accountable for cross-border violence? In this week’s Cut to the Chase: Podcast, Gregg welcomes Jonathan Lowy, an attorney and Founder/President of Global Action on Gun Violence. Jon is here to unpack the groundbreaking Supreme Court case Estados Unidos Mexicanos v. Smith & Wesson.

Jon explains how guns trafficked from US gun dealers are fueling cartel violence in Mexico and how US legal protections shield the gun industry from accountability. Jonathan breaks down what the Court’s 9-0 ruling really means, why the door isn’t closed for future lawsuits, and how legal strategies are evolving to tackle global gun violence.

If you’re passionate about stopping gun violence while respecting lawful ownership, share this episode, join the conversation at actiononguns.org and be a part of the movement for common-sense solutions!

What to expect in this episode:

• Inside the Case: What the Mexico v. Smith & Wesson Supreme Court ruling entails
• Targeting Manufacturers: Why the lawsuit focused on illegal sales, not Second Amendment rights
• Cross-Border Trafficking: How over 200,000 American guns flow into Mexico every year
• “Bad Apple” Dealers: The small group responsible for most illegal gun trafficking
• Legal Shield: How PLCAA limits accountability for gun manufacturers
• SCOTUS Verdict: What the unanimous 9–0 decision confirmed (and left open)
• Global Action’s Fight: Ongoing legal efforts in the US and Canada to curb gun violence
• Take Action: How listeners and lawyers can help stop illegal gun sales
• Bipartisan Ground: Unexpected agreement on the need to end gun trafficking

 

Key Actionable Takeaways:

• Dig Into Supply Chains: When investigating liability, always trace the product’s journey. Downstream actions and knowledge can make or break “aiding and abetting” arguments.
• Monitor International Litigation: Cross-border cases are rising, and strategies used internationally can circle back home, opening new avenues (or defenses). 
• Be Agile in Complaints: A higher degree of specificity may now be required… Detailed allegations tying manufacturers to specific dealers and sales are critical post-ruling.
• Bridge the Political Divide: Litigation and reform around gun trafficking can be nonpartisan; framing your approach this way may engage wider support both inside and outside the courtroom.

 

Stay tuned for more updates, and don't miss our next deep dive on Cut to the Chase: Podcast with Gregg Goldfarb!

 

Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode of the Cut to the Chase: Podcast!

 

Resources:

• Learn more from Global Action on Gun Violence: actiononguns.org
• Connect with Jonathan Lowy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanlowy 

 

This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.