(AP) Handing a defeat to the NAACP, a federal jury Wednesday cleared 45 gun manufacturers and distributors of allegations their marketing practices have stoked violence in black and Hispanic neighborhoods.
The jury deliberated for five days before reaching its verdict in a closely watched case that now goes to the judge for a final decision. The panel was unable to reach a verdict regarding 23 other defendants in the lawsuit, brought by the NAACP.
The lawsuit alleged the firearms industry knew corrupt dealers were supplying their products to criminals in minority communities and did nothing to stop it.
In an unusual but not unprecedented ruling, U.S. District Judge Jack Weinstein decided ahead of time that the jury would play only an advisory role, and that he would make the final decision in the case. Both sides will submit written arguments interpreting the jury's verdict within 30 days.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/...in553943.shtml
Good.