Political Glossary

Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA)

A 2005 federal law that generally shields firearm manufacturers, distributors and dealers from civil lawsuits when their legally sold products are later used to commit crimes. The statute includes narrow exceptions, such as cases involving defective products or knowing violations of state or federal laws governing firearm sales or marketing.

Courts
Updated Jun 16, 2026
1 linked survey
In plain English
When gunmakers are shielded from lawsuits.

A federal law that mostly protects gun makers and sellers from being sued when their guns are used in crimes, except in a few specific situations.

Simple example
In 2022, Remington's insurers agreed to a $73 million settlement with families of Sandy Hook shooting victims, who used PLCAA's marketing-related exception to pursue claims under Connecticut consumer law.
Why it matters
What the term actually changes.
Limits Legal Remedies

PLCAA narrows the routes available to gun violence victims seeking compensation in court, shifting many disputes over firearms harms from civil litigation to legislative and regulatory arenas.

Federal-State Tension

State laws like New York's test how far states can go in creating civil liability for the gun industry without running afoul of PLCAA's federal protections.

How it works
The mechanics, in practice.
Immunity Shield

Federal courts must dismiss most civil suits filed against firearm manufacturers or sellers when a third party uses a legally sold gun to commit a crime.

Predicate Exception

Plaintiffs can proceed if they show a manufacturer or seller knowingly violated a statute applicable to firearm sales or marketing, a clause known as the 'predicate exception.'

State Law Workarounds

Several states have enacted public-nuisance or marketing statutes designed to fit within PLCAA's exceptions, allowing civil suits against industry members to move forward in state courts.

You’ve learned the term. Now vote.
Should states be allowed to sue gun manufacturers for harms caused by firearms?
Live results
Yes — states should have broad authority to hold the gun industry liable0%
Yes — but only when manufacturers or dealers violate specific safety standards0%
No — but allow narrow lawsuits in cases of clear negligence0%
No — federal law should shield the gun industry from these suits0%
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