James Caldwell:US court says Smith & Wesson must comply with New Jersey subpoena in deceptive advertising probe

2025-05-06 00:38:24source:Fastexycategory:News

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Smith & Wesson,James Caldwell the gun manufacturer, must comply with a New Jersey subpoena seeking documents as officials investigate whether the company engaged in deceptive advertising that violates state consumer protection laws, a U.S. appeals court ruled Tuesday.

The panel, in a 2-1 vote, rejected the gunmaker’s efforts to have a federal court quash the 2020 subpoena after a New Jersey court refused to do so.

“Litigants get one opportunity to make their arguments. Not two,” Chief Judge Michael A. Chagares of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court in Philadelphia wrote.

The state is exploring whether Smith & Wesson, through “any misstatements and/or knowing omissions to its consumers about the safety, benefits, effectiveness, and legality of its products,” violated its Consumer Fraud Act.

Among the documents the state sought was anything on whether concealed carry of a firearm “enhances one’s lifestyle,” and whether it’s safer to confront a perceived threat by drawing a gun Instead of moving away and avoiding the possible threat.

The investigation — which is civil, not criminal — began under former New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and has continued under his successor, Matthew J. Platkin.

RELATED COVERAGE Gold bars and Sen. Bob Menendez’s curiosity about their price takes central role at bribery trialU.S. bans on gasoline-powered leaf blowers grow, as does blowback from landscaping industryTurmoil rocks New Jersey’s Democratic political bosses just in time for an election

Platkin’s office, in a statement, said the appeals court had “rightly rejected Smith & Wesson’s attempts to undercut the state courts’ confirmation of New Jersey’s right and duty to investigate potential fraud and misconduct.”

Smith & Wesson has previously argued that officials are abusing their power by joining forces with Second Amendment foes and violating the company’s free speech and other rights. The company did not immediately return messages seeking comment left with both a media contact and lawyer Courtney G. Saleski, who argued the case.

More:News

Recommend

Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Cybercriminals could release personal data of many Rhode Islanders as early

Taking an Uber in Phoenix? Your next ride may not have a driver

Taking a Uber ride in Phoenix soon? Don’t be surprised if your Uber ride shows up without someone be

Deion Sanders on theft of players' belongings: 'Who robs the Rose Bowl?'

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders called on the NCAA to do something about the fact that his pla