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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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North Carolina: Update on Permitless Carry

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

North Carolina: Update on Permitless Carry

In September, the North Carolina General Assembly briefly returned from recess and re-referred Senate Bill 50, Freedom to Carry NC, to the House Rules Committee.

2025 Litigation Update

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

2025 Litigation Update

In 2025, the National Rifle Association defeated New Mexico’s 7-day waiting period for firearm purchases, the ATF’s “engaged in the business” rule, the ATF’s “pistol brace” rule, a lawsuit seeking to ban lead ammunition in ...

NDAA 2026: A Win for Surplus Firearms Collectors and the Second Amendment

News  

Monday, December 15, 2025

NDAA 2026: A Win for Surplus Firearms Collectors and the Second Amendment

It is indeed that time of year. Time for the 65th annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This critical federal legislation specifies the budget and policies for the United States Department of Defense for the next fiscal year. 

Virginia: Gun Control Looms on the Horizon – Make Plans to Attend Lobby Day in January!

Monday, December 22, 2025

Virginia: Gun Control Looms on the Horizon – Make Plans to Attend Lobby Day in January!

Anti-gun legislators in Richmond have already begun filing legislation ahead of the upcoming Virginia General Assembly session. 

Michigan: Firearm Safety Education Bill Signed Into Law

Friday, December 26, 2025

Michigan: Firearm Safety Education Bill Signed Into Law

On Tuesday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4285 into law, allowing middle and high schools to offer courses on hunter safety and responsible firearm ownership.        

CPRC’s Latest Report Outlines the Robust State of Concealed Carry in America

News  

Monday, December 22, 2025

CPRC’s Latest Report Outlines the Robust State of Concealed Carry in America

Dr. John Lott’s Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC) has released its latest annual report on the state of concealed carry in the United States. 

2025 Grassroots Year In Review

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025

2025 Grassroots Year In Review

As 2026 starts, we want to pause and recognize what we have accomplished together in 2025—and, more importantly, the work that all of you contributed to help us achieve these victories.

DOJ Defends Federal Firearms Registration in NRA Challenge to the NFA

Thursday, December 18, 2025

DOJ Defends Federal Firearms Registration in NRA Challenge to the NFA

In the NRA’s case, Brown v. ATF, the Department of Justice filed its opposition to the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment, along with its own cross-motion, defending the National Firearms Act of 1934’s registration requirement for suppressors, short-barreled ...

New Jersey: Legislature Passes Holiday Assault on Second Amendment

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

New Jersey: Legislature Passes Holiday Assault on Second Amendment

While people were busy preparing for the holidays, shopping, and spending time with family, anti-gun politicians in Trenton were busy snatching more of your constitutional rights. As we previously reported, Majority Democrats were diligently working ...

California: Governor Newsom Signs Gun Control Bills Into Law

Monday, October 13, 2025

California: Governor Newsom Signs Gun Control Bills Into Law

For someone who has claimed to be"...deeply mindful and respectful of the Second Amendment and people’s Constitutional rights,” Governor Gavin Newsom has once again proven that actions speak louder than words.

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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.