In 2005, the PLCAA became law, which prohibited many lawsuits against gun sellers and manufacturers for, among other things, "harm caused by the misuse of firearms by third parties, including criminals" (Congress.gov - Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act). The PLCAA includes certain exceptions, one of which the government of Mexico claims permits it to sue various gun manufacturers and a distributor for damages caused by cartel violence in its country (BBC). The trial court dismissed the case, ruling that the lawsuit was barred by the PLCAA, but the First Circuit Court of Appeals reversed as to tort claims alleged by Mexico, and the Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal from that reversal (First Circuit - Mexicanos v. Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., AP, The Hill). The Supreme Court is expected to hand down its decision in its 2024 term, but if it does not, the question will close as "No." If the Court decides this case without addressing this question's particular issue of law, the question will close as "No." If the Court rules that the case against any named defendant is not barred by the PLCAA, the question will close "No."

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