RECKLESS LAWSUITS THWARTED IN THE STATES

"...[the city lacks] any statutory authorization to initiate...claims [against the firearms industry]..."

-- Connecticut Superior Court Judge Robert McWeeny

Not going his way

      While the Clinton-Gore Administration readies its class-action suit against the gun industry, judges are throwing out similar suits brought by local municipalities.

• The first to go was the suit filed by Cincinnati, Ohio, dismissed on Oct. 7 by Judge Robert P. Ruehlman (see FAX Alert Vol. 6, No. 39).

• Now come back-to-back dismissals in Bridgeport, Conn., and

• Miami-Dade County, Fla.

     On Dec. 10, Judge Robert McWeeny of the Connecticut Superior Court dismissed Bridgeport's suit, ruling that the city lacks "...any statutory authorization to initiate...claims" of liability against the firearms industry.

      NRA-ILA Executive Director James Jay Baker responded to Judge McWeeny's decision by stating, "All those mayors who jumped on the lawsuit bandwagon in order to get their names in the papers ought to buckle their seatbelts, because the bandwagon is starting to come to a screeching, judicial halt."

      The Connecticut decision was followed on Dec. 13 by Circuit Judge Amy Dean, who dismissed the Miami-Dade County suit. Judge Dean stated the county "lacks standing" to sue gun makers on behalf of shooting victims. On Dec. 14, the Miami Herald's description of Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas' comments on the goals of the suit sounded like he took his marching orders directly from Bill Clinton. According to the Herald, Penelas said "the purpose of the suit is not to bankrupt the industry, but to force manufacturers to spend money for firearm safety devices."

      Penelas and county officials have indicated that they will either appeal the judge's decision, or join with the federal government in its threat to file suit.

Miami Mayor's Report on the Decision Miami Herald Story ABCNews - "Gun Makers Win A Round" More FAX Alerts About Reckless Lawsuits Against Gun-Makers

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