Gun Rights News & Updates

The Supreme Court announced Tuesday that it will hear a 2nd Amendment challenge related to the assault weapons ban in Connecticut and Cook County, Ill., which prohibits most semiautomatic assault weapons. Before embarking on their summer recess, the justices issued orders on new cases set to be heard in the fall. This upcoming Supreme Court gun challenge is expected to serve as a significant test for determining what types of firearms and ammunition can be regulated by state or federal laws. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for California and the other Democratic-led states that impose strict regulations or outright bans on semiautomatic rifles, such as the AR-15. Gun-rights advocates argue that these weapons are among the most common and popular in the country and should not be banned in certain states. However, Connecticut state attorneys counter that only about 2% of Americans own assault weapons and that such firearms are rarely used for self-defense. Since 1989, California has enforced an assault weapons ban, prohibiting the sale and possession of most semiautomatic rifles and pistols capable of firing more than 10 rounds before reloading, with nine other states managed by Democrats having similar legislation. State lawmakers maintain that these rapid-fire guns are unnecessary for self-defense and pose a threat as potential weapons of mass murder. If the court’s conservative justices rule in favor of the 2nd Amendment claim, it could lead to the striking down of all blue-state bans on assault weapons next year. Advocates for gun rights assert that firearms in 'common use' by law-abiding citizens cannot be prohibited by the government. Four justices, including Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito, Neil M. Gorsuch, and Brett M. Kavanaugh, have expressed in past dissents their belief that state bans on assault weapons violate the 2nd Amendment.