Charles Langston-US court says Smith & Wesson must comply with New Jersey subpoena in deceptive advertising probe

2025-05-08 04:53:56source:TrendPulse Quantitative Think Tank Centercategory:Markets

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Smith & Wesson,Charles Langston 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:Markets

Recommend

Elon Musk’s Daughter Vivian Calls Him “Absolutely Pathetic” and a “Serial Adulterer”

Elon Musk’s strained relationship with his daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson continues to play out on the

Colts QB Anthony Richardson throws touchdown, interception in preseason game vs. Bengals

Anthony Richardson played more than a quarter in the final preseason game for the Indianapolis Colts

Yankees roast Little League coach who complained about Aaron Judge

The New York Yankees fired back at a Little League coach who complained that his team didn't get fac