© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: New York State Attorney General Letitia James speaks speaks at a news conference
2/2
By Jonathan Stempel
NEW YORK (Reuters) – A New York state judge on Thursday rejected the National Rifle Association’s bid to dismiss or move a lawsuit by New York Attorney General Letitia James seeking to dissolve the gun rights group.
Justice Joel Cohen of Manhattan Supreme Court ruled six days after the NRA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to protect itself from lawsuits, and said it would reincorporate in the more gun-friendly Texas after 150 years in New York.
James had sued the NRA, Chief Executive Wayne LaPierre and others last August.
She accused the group of violating state laws governing nonprofits by diverting millions of dollars to fund luxurious trips for its officials, no-show contracts for associates, and other suspect expenses.
The NRA argued that if the case continued it belonged in the state capital of Albany, where it had its only New York office, and perhaps in federal court, where it has filed a countersuit accusing James of violating its members’ First Amendment rights.
“This is a case of historic constitutional importance,” the group’s lawyer Sarah Rogers (NYSE:) argued.
The judge said accepting the NRA arguments would be “elevating form over substance,” and that it was a “big lift” to tell James she could not sue in state court.
“It would be inappropriate in these circumstances to find that the attorney general cannot pursue her claims in state court just because one of the defendants would prefer to proceed in federal court,” Cohen said.
The NRA has said it was “dumping” New York to escape its “toxic political environment.”
It accused James, a Democrat, of suing for political gain and because she dislikes what the group stands for.
Bankruptcy filings normally halt existing litigation, but the attorney general believes her lawsuit deserves an exemption because she is enforcing her “police and regulatory power.”
James Sheehan, a lawyer for James, told the judge a trial could occur early next year.
The case is New York v. National Rifle Association et al, New York State Supreme Court, New York County, No. 451625-2020.
Fusion Media or anyone involved with Fusion Media will not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information including data, quotes, charts and buy/sell signals contained within this website. Please be fully informed regarding the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, it is one of the riskiest investment forms possible.
517043 860388I adore your wp web template, wherever would you obtain it through? 434889
362449 129430Some truly good stuff on this internet web site , I enjoy it. 904534
713568 796425Thanks for the fantastic post against your blog, it genuinely provides me with a look about this topic.??;~.?? 126247
457923 314136A quite really interesting write-up! Ill try to track that continues here! Thank you. 520094
374876 736078Also, weblog regularly and with intriguing material to maintain individuals interested in coming back and checking for updates. 256023
997562 11313TeenVogue? Searching for fashion advice, celebrity buzz or beauty trends? Discover it all in Teen Vogue 584989
573428 9197Yeah bookmaking this wasnt a bad decision great post! . 289800
543858 925329Soon after study a couple of with the content material in your internet site now, we genuinely such as your technique of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web website list and will also be checking back soon. Pls take a look at my web-site likewise and make me aware what you believe. 402755
800602 548187extremely excellent post, i undoubtedly genuinely like this exceptional internet site, continue it 542309
610726 109227I dugg some of you post as I thought they were handy really beneficial 579734
48199 968909Its hard to find knowledgeable folks on this topic however you sound like you know what you are talking about! Thanks 242548
732268 306266A excellent clear cut answer and a fantastic concept. But how do I post any work on this web site is an additional question. The Foureyed Poet. 521154
356596 552950This sort of in search of get the enhancements produced on this special lifestyle and diet, begin your L . a . Shifting the pounds diet answer can be a huge procedure into accesing which usually hope. weight loss 146192
182781 578775I like this web site really significantly, Its a genuinely good situation to read and get info . 256779