Second Amendment challenges intensify: SCOTUS grants cert in AR-15 bans; 3rd Circuit strikes down NJ assault weapons ban, deepening circuit split; 7th Circuit upholds Illinois ban; 9th Circuit defiance of Bruen draws benchslap dissent; SCOTUS denies cert in NY gun industry liability law
Key Questions
What Second Amendment cases did the Supreme Court accept for next term?
The Court granted certiorari in Viramontes/Grant involving challenges to AR-15 bans. This adds to an expanding docket on assault weapons restrictions.
How did the Third Circuit rule on New Jersey's assault weapons ban?
In a 10-5 decision, the Third Circuit struck down New Jersey's ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines as unconstitutional. The ruling creates a direct conflict with the Seventh Circuit.
What was the Seventh Circuit's decision on Illinois's assault weapons ban?
The Seventh Circuit upheld Illinois's ban in a 2-1 decision applying the Bruen test. This maintains the law pending further review.
What criticism did the Ninth Circuit face regarding Bruen?
Judge VanDyke dissented and called for the Supreme Court to 'benchslap' the circuit for defying Bruen in a switchblade case. The dissent highlighted ongoing resistance to the 2022 precedent.
What other gun-related action did the Supreme Court take?
The Court denied certiorari in a challenge to New York's gun industry liability law. State and federal gun regulations continue to evolve amid the circuit split.
SCOTUS granted cert in Viramontes/Grant (AR-15 bans) for next term. 3rd Circuit struck down New Jersey assault weapons ban as unconstitutional, directly conflicting with 7th Circuit's Illinois ruling. 7th Circuit upheld Illinois assault weapons ban 2-1 using Bruen test. 9th Circuit Judge VanDyke urges SCOTUS to 'benchslap' circuit for continued defiance of Bruen in switchblade case. SCOTUS denied cert in challenge to NY gun industry liability law. State and federal gun law changes continue. The Court's Second Amendment docket is building with a clear circuit split.