Smith & Wesson wins appeal chance in Highland Park lawsuits

Gunmaker Smith & Wesson will get a chance to appeal a Lake County judge’s decision clearing the way for the families of victims of the 2022 Highland Park parade massacre to sue the company over the mass murders, after the Illinois Supreme Court indicated a state appeals court was wrong to deny out of hand the company’s appeal petition, seeking a higher review of complex legal and constitutional matters.

On Jan. 28, the Illinois Supreme Court ordered the Illinois Second District Appellate Court to grant Smith & Wesson’s petition and take up the appeal.

The state high court did not explain its unsigned order, beyond saying it was exercising its supervisory authority. The order reversed the Second District’s decision to deny Smith & Wesson its opportunity to appeal the ruling from Lake County Circuit Judge Jorge L. Ortiz.

In April 2025, Read Entire Article