By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey won a major legal victory this week as the Superior Court rejected Glock’s attempt to dismiss a lawsuit accusing the gunmaker of selling firearms that can easily be converted into illegal machine guns.
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, the case will now move forward, keeping alive the state’s effort to hold Glock accountable for what officials call dangerous design flaws.
The suit, first filed in December 2024, alleges Glock knowingly sold handguns that can be modified with a small plastic device, often referred to as a “Glock switch,” capable of turning a pistol into a fully automatic weapon.
Attorney General Matt Platkin praised the ruling, calling it “a major victory” and noting that the court “rejected every one of Glock’s arguments.”
He said the decision shows the state’s commitment to holding firearms manufacturers responsible when their practices put lives at risk.
“Today, we won a major victory … We will continue our legal fight to hold Glock responsible for violating our laws and knowingly contributing to the machine gun epidemic that is hurting both civilians and law enforcement officers.”
Broader Legal Push
New Jersey’s lawsuit is part of a wider national trend. Minnesota filed a similar case last year, and officials in several states are considering legal action targeting companies whose weapons are susceptible to unlawful modifications.
Gun industry groups, however, argue the suits unfairly punish manufacturers for the actions of criminals.
With the motion to dismiss denied, the case now proceeds to discovery, bringing the state closer to a possible trial that could force Glock to alter its business practices in New Jersey.