STATE SUPREME COURT HEARS ARGUMENTS ABOUT GUN LAW

The state supreme court heard arguments yesterday on whether federal law that protects gun manufacturers from civil liability prohibits a Westmoreland County family from suing the company whose gun killed their son. The Trib reports that the hearing was in connection with the death of 13-year-old J.R. Gustafson of Mt. Pleasant, who was shot and killed when his friend fired the gun at him at a home in Westmoreland County. The court is charged with interpreting the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms act which gives immunity to firearms manufacturers from civil litigation with limited exception.