The opinion is not yet available online (and probably won't be available until tomorrow, as cases have been posted on the Court site already this afternoon). However, here is the Indianapolis Star's first take:
The Indiana Supreme Court today cleared the way for the city of Gary to sue gun manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors over how they market and distribute handguns.An AP story just published in the Munster NWIndiana Times is available here. "The 5-0 decision said the northwest Indiana city had lawfully stated claims accusing the gun businesses of becoming public nuisances by fueling crime. Justices agreed the city could seek money damages and injunctive relief in state court."In a decision that could have broad implications, the high court also ruled the Northwest Indiana city can pursue its claim for monetary damages against manufacturers that certain weapons were negligently designed.
See Indiana Law Blog entries from April 26, 2003 and May 5, 2003 discussing legislation pending in Congress that would absolve gun manufacturers from liability for the "harm caused by the criminal or unlawful misuse" of a firearm.
In a firearms decision issued earlier this year, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that gun owners must safely store firearms and can be held liable for failing to do. Access the 4/8/03 Indiana Law Blog entry here.