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Jury Rejects NAACP Claims -- Will Judge Concur?

Friday, May 16, 2003

On May 14, an advisory jury in the NAACP`s lawsuit against a number of gun manufacturers rendered its verdict. After nearly five days of deliberation, the jury unanimously found 38 of the industry defendants not liable for the criminal misuse of their products. Seven other defendants were exonerated by a vote of at least 10 of the 12 jurors. In 23 additional instances, the jury rendered no decision. Not a single defendant was found intentionally or negligently responsible for any public nuisance, as the NAACP tried to claim.

Lawrence Keane, vice president and general counsel for the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), said of the verdict, "We welcome the advisory jury`s common sense finding that the manufacturers and distributors of firearms are not responsible for the criminal misuse of their products." Keane continued, "This victory demonstrates the claims made by the NAACP and others are baseless and entirely without merit and proves the firearm industry is a highly-regulated and law-abiding industry."

The jury verdict, however, does not bring an official close to this case. The presiding judge, Jack B. Weinstein, who has a history of judicial activism penalizing the gun industry, will use the jury`s decision only in an advisory capacity. The jury`s decision can be accepted or rejected in whole or part by Weinstein in the next 30 days.

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Monday, March 30, 2026

Ammunition Serialization: The Five-Cent Fiasco in Illinois

Democrat officials in Illinois have long taken unabashed pride in the abridgement of Second Amendment rights, and their latest attempt at “bullet control” is again making headlines.

Rhode Island:  Gun Bans On Tap In Providence Next Week

Friday, April 3, 2026

Rhode Island: Gun Bans On Tap In Providence Next Week

On Wednesday April 8, the House Judiciary Committee will meet in the House Lounge at 4 p.m. to launch an historic attack on our Second Amendment rights. 

Virginia: Legislature Adjourns from 2026 Session; Anti-Gun Bills on Governor's Desk

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Virginia: Legislature Adjourns from 2026 Session; Anti-Gun Bills on Governor's Desk

On Saturday, March 14th, the Virginia General Assembly adjourned sine die from the 2026 legislative session, and the future of the Commonwealth hangs in the balance. 

Connecticut: Pistol Ban Advances in the Legislature

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Connecticut: Pistol Ban Advances in the Legislature

Last week, the Connecticut Judiciary Committee voted to advance HB5043 - A bill championed by Governor Ned Lamount aimed at banning so-called "convertible pistols".

California Court’s “Technical Issue” Nullifies Background Checks

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Monday, March 30, 2026

California Court’s “Technical Issue” Nullifies Background Checks

California, already well known for its de-policing, non-prosecution, and other soft-on-crime policies, has taken enabling criminals to a whole new level.

Maryland: Gun Control on the Move

Monday, March 30, 2026

Maryland: Gun Control on the Move

Two weeks remain in the 2026 legislative session and gun control is on the move in Annapolis.

“Gun Free Zones” Herd Honest Citizens into Physical and Legal Peril

News  

Monday, March 30, 2026

“Gun Free Zones” Herd Honest Citizens into Physical and Legal Peril

Never mind the homelessness, drug use, and routine violence … according to Empire State politicians, New York City’s transit system is a “sensitive place.”

Is Finland Looking to Emulate America’s Founding Era on Firearms?

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Monday, March 30, 2026

Is Finland Looking to Emulate America’s Founding Era on Firearms?

We’ve written before about Finland, a European nation with arguably better gun laws than the majority of the continent.  

NRA Defeats California Gun Control Law; State Must Pay Nearly $500,000 in Attorney Fees Incurred by NRA

Monday, March 23, 2026

NRA Defeats California Gun Control Law; State Must Pay Nearly $500,000 in Attorney Fees Incurred by NRA

Today, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California granted a stipulation for final judgment and permanent injunction in Safari Club International v. Bonta, under which the state conceded that its firearm advertising restriction is unconstitutional ...

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Challenge to NFA Restrictions on Suppressors

Thursday, April 2, 2026

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Challenge to NFA Restrictions on Suppressors

The National Rifle Association joined the Second Amendment Foundation, American Suppressor Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, Second Amendment Law Center, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and ...

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NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.