news
By Joel Stashenko Associated Press Writer
Published: Apr 26, 2001
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Handgun manufacturers cannot be held liable for shooting deaths and injuries suffered by seven people because of the supposedly negligent way the weapons were marketed and distributed, the state's highest court ruled Thursday.
The 7-0 decision by the Court of Appeals probably dooms what lawyers said was the first verdict to go against gun makers sued over their marketing practices by a shooting victim.
In addition, it will probably influence courts in other states with similar lawsuits, said Lawrence Greenwald, a Baltimore lawyer who represented Beretta USA and American Arms before the Court of Appeals.
"Other courts will not be bound by New York's decision, but I think will respectfully consider it," he said.
The Court of Appeals decided that the chain linking gun makers with the seven victims is too tenuous to hold the manufacturers responsible.
Uploaded: 4/26/2001
Uploaded: 4/26/2001