Mexico’s Gun Manufacturer Argument Probed by First Circuit

The First Circuit appeared open to Mexico’s argument Monday that gunmakers knowingly manufacture and sell weapons that can be easily modified south of the border by criminal cartels for automatic fire, but were skeptical manufacturers could be held liable.

Mexico alleges that firearm giants, including Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. and Glock Inc., unlawfully design their weapons to attract cartels, exacerbating gun violence in the country. Its novel lawsuit argues that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which protects gunmakers from an array of lawsuits, shouldn’t apply for claims rooted in foreign law.

If the US ...