Phila. Suit vs. Gunmakers Dismissed
.c The Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A federal appeals court rejected the city's lawsuit
against the gun industry Friday, saying gunmakers aren't required to protect
citizens from misuse of weapons.
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a decision by federal Judge
Berle M. Schiller, who had dismissed the lawsuit.
Philadelphia filed its lawsuit in April 2000, joining more than 30 cities and
counties that sued gun manufacturers. Many of those lawsuits also have been
dismissed.
The Philadelphia lawsuit claimed gunmakers failed to provide sufficient
safety devices; flooded the market with cheap guns knowing many would be used
in a crime; and knowingly supplied disreputable dealers.
The city wanted reimbursement for police and emergency services and sought to
force gunmakers to add safety features and change how the weapons are
marketed.
The city has not decided whether to appeal, said Bill Thompson, an official
in the city's law department.
The defendants included Smith & Wesson, Glock, Browning, Beretta and Sturm,
Ruger & Co.