US Supreme Court rejects Mexico lawsuit against gunmakers

The US Supreme Court has blocked a lawsuit brought by Mexico that sought to hold American gunmakers accountable for playing a role in country's struggle with drug cartels.

The court voted 9-0 to reject the suit, in the process upholding a 2005 law that shields gun manufacturers from liability if weapons they produce are misused.

Mexico's government had argued that the "flood" of illegal guns across the border is a result of "deliberate" practices by US firms that they say appealed to cartel members with their products.

The decision overturns a lower court's ruling that allowed the suit, brought against Smith & Wesson as well as other manufacturers, to proceed.

The case is the first time the court has taken up the shield law, known as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, or PLCAA.

At a hearing in March, the court appeared sceptical of Mexico's challenge, with justices on both sides of the ideological spectrum questioning the validity of the suit.