FEATURE STORIES

Court Allows Lawsuit to Proceed Against Gun Distributor
September 21, 2001

A Massachusetts Superior Court judge has ruled that a lawsuit against gun distributor Southern Ohio Guns International may proceed, dismissing Southern Ohio's motion for summary judgment. The suit alleges that Southern Ohio negligently and recklessly sold a 9mm Cobray assault pistol, leading to the shooting of plaintiff Lenny Isaac. The pistol has no legitimate use because it is made only to "spray fire" at people and is too inaccurate for hunting and too dangerous for use by police or in self-defense. Additionally, it is specially designed to hold devices used by criminals including silencers, flash suppressors, and grenade launchers, and was marketed specifically to criminals. These Cobray pistols were traced to homicides ten times more than other handguns, and are the "weapons of choice for drug dealers." In light of these asserted facts, the court held that "Southern Ohio had a duty to guard against a likelihood that the Cobray could be secured by unfit individuals, including criminals." The Legal Action Project has actively assisted in this case.

• Click here to read the court's ruling.

Brady Center and Police, Public Health Coalition Seek to Block Military Weapon Imports
September 19, 2001

(Washington, D.C.) The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, joined by the National Association of Police Organizations, the American Public Health Association and other law enforcement and public health groups, filed a legal brief on September 19 in federal court seeking to prevent the importation of high-capacity military assault rifles able to shoot scores of rounds without reloading.

The brief was filed with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in Springfield, Inc. v. Buckles, a lawsuit brought by a firearms importer challenging the 1998 decision by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) to bar the importation of any rifle that could accept a "detachable large capacity magazine."

"At this time of urgent concern for our national security, it is distressing that a gun company continues to challenge our government's efforts to protect us from military weaponry," said Dennis Henigan, Director of the Brady Center's Legal Action Project. "The law enforcement community, and the public health community, have formed a united front to keep combat weapons from our shores. Where does the gun industry stand? Is it committed to doing everything possible to keep the most dangerous weapons out of the most dangerous hands?"

• Click here to read the entire press release.
• Click here to read the brief.