Episode 199. City of Gary v. Smith & Wesson: Ending 26 Years of Lawfare
Show Notes
Episode 199. City of Gary v. Smith & Wesson: Ending 26 Years of Lawfare
In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses the recent dismissal of the City of Gary versus Smith and Wesson lawsuit, a case that has lasted over 26 years. The conversation delves into the concept of lawfare, where the legal system is used as a weapon to impose costs and achieve policy outcomes without legislative action. Ooley explains the implications of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) and the Indiana General Assembly's recent legislation that limits the ability of cities to sue firearm manufacturers. The episode concludes with reflections on the broader implications of this case for the legal system and democratic accountability.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings
00:30 The Dismissal of City of Gary vs. Smith and Wesson
01:10 Understanding Lawfare and Its Implications
06:07 The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act
08:55 The Role of Indiana's Legislation in the Case
10:32 Broader Implications of the Case on Law and Policy
Resources
Smith & Wesson Corp. v. City of Gary (Ind.App., 2025)
https://public.courts.in.gov/Decisions/api/Document/Opinion?Id=gGTF-6-ACU7XYO2CNCjB7ZhYnzf0SvNDQ4wFQBfGLJhtN15JdMI2r-U_SAoZIlYD0
Guy Relford
https://omny.fm/shows/the-gun-guy-podcast/gun-guy-full-show-12-27-2025
Facebook: @guy.relford.2025
X: @guyrelford
AG Todd Rokita
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1289904319820449&set=a.230626505748241
@agtoddrokita
The Reload
https://thereload.com/indiana-appeals-court-tosses-26-year-old-liability-lawsuit-against-smith-and-wesson/
X:
@Jake_Fogleman
@TheReloadSite
Morningstar
https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20251230dc54832/nssf-praises-indiana-court-decision-to-end-city-of-gary-lawsuit
Indy Star
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2025/12/29/indiana-court-of-appeals-upholds-indiana-law-to-kill-garys-gun-lawsuit/87948004007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z115150p116250c116250d00----v115150d--44--b--44--&gca-ft=165&gca-ds=sophi
@jordantsmith09
Reason.com
https://reason.com/volokh/2025/12/29/26-year-old-case-against-smith-wesson-et-al-by-gary-indiana-finally-over/
@VolokhC
@reason
The Indiana Lawyer
https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/in-court-of-appeals-rules-lower-court-must-dismiss-gary-lawsuit-against-gun-industry
@Indiana_Lawyer
PLCAA
https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title15/chapter105&edition=prelim
Duke Center for Firearms Law
https://firearmslaw.duke.edu/2019/12/new-decision-in-a-very-old-case-city-of-gary-v-smith-wesson-corp
@DukeFirearmsLaw
Keywords
lawfare, City of Gary, Smith and Wesson, firearms litigation, legal system, public nuisance, PLCAA, Indiana General Assembly, separation of powers, democratic accountability
DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.
