Connecticut judge rules that families of Sandy Hook victims CAN sue AR-15 rifle manufacturers Remington after their gun was used by Adam Lanza to murder 20 children and six adults
Families of the victims of the Sandy Hook massacre have successfully filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of AR-15 rifles, in a ruling that could have far-reaching implications for the gun industry.
The Connecticut Supreme Court accepted a lawsuit against Remington Outdoor Co on Thursday, giving families of nine victims the chance to hold the gun makers liable for the horrifying mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut seven years ago.
The lawsuit claims Remington's marketing 'glorified' the AR-15 Bushmaster rifle using slogans such as 'consider your man card reissued', in a direct appeal to troubled young men like Adam Lanza.
Families of the victims of the Sandy Hook massacre have successfully filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of AR-15 rifles (pictured) , in a ruling that could have far-reaching implications for the gun industry
The Connecticut Supreme Court accepted a lawsuit against Remington Outdoor Co on Thursday, giving the families of nine of the victims the chance to hold gun makers liable for the horrifying mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut seven years ago. The lawsuit claims Remington's marketing 'glorified' the AR-15 Bushmaster rifle using slogans such as 'consider your man card reissued', in a direct appeal to troubled young men like Adam Lanza
Lanza, 20, used the rifle to murder 20 children aged between six and seven, along with six adult members of staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012, before turning the gun on himself.
Josh Koskoff, one of the lawyers for the victims' families, said in a statement outside of the court today that the families were grateful for the court's rejection of the gun industry's bid for complete immunity.
'The families' goal has always been to shed light on Remington's calculated and profit-driven strategy to expand the AR-15 market and court high-risk users, all at the expense of Americans' safety.
'Today's decision is a critical step toward achieving that goal,' Koskoff said.
The state high court ruled 4-3 that part of a lawsuit alleging wrongful marketing can proceed, despite a 2005 federal law that shields gun-makers from liability in most cases when their products are used in such crimes.
Justices agreed with a lower court judge's decision to dismiss most of the claims brought forward, but crucially ruled that the sweeping federal protections do not apply to wrongful marketing claims - representing a significant development in the ongoing battle between gun control advocates and the gun lobby.
The ruling potentially opens the door for a swathe of similar lawsuits from those affected by mass shootings, with the possible ramifications within the industry unprecedented.
Josh Koskoff (pictured speaking), one of the lawyers for the victims' families, said in a statement outside of the court today that the families were grateful for the court's rejection of the gun industry's bid for complete immunity
Lanza, 20, (pictured above) used the rifle to murder 20 children aged between six and seven, along with six adult members of staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012, before turning the gun on himself
The court ruled that the case can move ahead based on a state law regarding unfair trade practice, although legal experts predict any appeal of the ruling by the gun maker would likely be taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court.
'I am thrilled and tremendously grateful,' Nicole Hockley, whose 6-year-old son Dylan was killed in his first-grade classroom, told the NY Times.
Welcoming the ruling as a victory, she added: 'No one has blanket immunity. There are consequences. We want our day in court to see why they do this this way, and what needs to change.'
In the aftermath of the shooting, which rocked America and led to a fevered national debate, President Barack Obama pushed forward federal gun control legislation but it was shot down on Capitol Hill.
The 2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, or PLCAA, has so far shielded the U.S. firearms industry from lawsuits by victims of gun violence, including major players such as Remington, Sturm Ruger and Co and Vista Outdoor Inc from bearing any liability.
Connecticut judge rules that families of Sandy Hook victims CAN sue AR-15 rifle manufacturers Remington after their gun was used by Adam Lanza to murder 20 children and six adults
![Connecticut judge rules that families of Sandy Hook victims CAN sue AR-15 rifle manufacturers Remington after their gun was used by Adam Lanza to murder 20 children and six adults]()
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March 15, 2019
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