New Jersey’s AR-15 ban being ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge may alter nationwide gun laws and Second Amendment rights.
At a Glance
- New Jersey’s AR-15 ban overturned by U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan.
- Magazines over 10 rounds cap upheld as constitutional.
- Ruling influenced by the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision.
- Both 2nd Amendment advocates and the state attorney general plan to appeal.
- Nine other states and D.C. have similar laws under scrutiny.
AR-15 Ban Deemed Unconstitutional
U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan ruled New Jersey’s ban on AR-15 rifles unconstitutional, challenging the legal foundation of such bans nationwide. Judge Sheridan emphasized his duty to follow the Supreme Court’s precedent on firearms, particularly influenced by the landmark 2022 Bruen decision that expanded gun rights.
The ruling has sparked a debate between gun control advocates and Second Amendment defenders. Judge Sheridan also upheld New Jersey’s restriction on magazines holding over 10 rounds, maintaining some limits on firearms despite overturning the AR-15 ban.
New Jersey AR-15 ban ruled unconstitutional by federal judge https://t.co/ju5OUc1uiU
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 1, 2024
Impact of the Supreme Court’s Bruen Decision
Judge Sheridan’s decision was heavily influenced by the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen ruling, which expanded gun rights by emphasizing that any firearms regulation must be consistent with historical tradition. This has guided lower courts to reassess several state-level gun control measures, casting uncertainties over existing firearm regulations in numerous states.
“I was compelled to rule as I did because of the Supreme Court’s rulings in firearms cases, particularly the 2022 Bruen decision that expanded gun rights” – U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan.
This broad interpretation of the Second Amendment will likely spur additional legal challenges to gun control measures across the U.S., potentially leading to significant changes in both state and federal laws.
Potential National Repercussions
This ruling has nationwide implications, with nine other states and the District of Columbia having similar assault weapons bans. Gun rights organizations, like the Firearms Policy Coalition, applaud the ruling and vow to continue challenging such bans nationwide. Conversely, gun control advocates argue that lifting these bans could undermine public safety.
“The AR-15 is an instrument designed for warfare that inflicts catastrophic mass injuries, and is the weapon of choice for the epidemic of mass shootings that have ravaged so many communities across this nation” – New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin.
Judge Sheridan has temporarily delayed enforcement of his ruling for 30 days to allow for appeals, indicating an ongoing legal struggle. Both Second Amendment proponents and New Jersey’s Attorney General Matt Platkin plan to appeal the decision, marking this as just the beginning of broader legal battles over firearm regulations in the U.S.
