A federal appeals court recently invalidated New Jersey’s long-standing ban on assault weapons. It marked the first instance where a federal appellate court ruled that state prohibitions on semiautomatic rifles, such as the AR-15, contravene the Second Amendment.
The decision originated from the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. This ruling coincides with the U.S. Supreme Court’s preparation to examine similar state-level bans. This development could lead to one of the most impactful Second Amendment rulings in recent years.
The 3rd Circuit ruling accentuates the growing division over gun regulations. The Supreme Court’s landmark 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen established the history-and-tradition test for assessing firearm restrictions. While judges in several other federal appeals courts have upheld state-enacted assault weapons bans, the 3rd Circuit determined on Friday that such restrictions breach the Constitution.
Supreme Court Review Already Underway
The decision arises shortly after the Supreme Court accepted challenges to assault weapons bans in states like Illinois and Connecticut. These cases will assess whether states can prohibit widely owned semiautomatic rifles under the Second Amendment.
In recent years, the Supreme Court’s 6-3 conservative majority has broadened gun rights, notably through the 2022 Bruen decision. However, a direct ruling on the constitutionality of assault weapons bans has not yet been issued.
Are Assault Weapons Now Legal in New Jersey?
Historically, New Jersey law barred possession of semiautomatic rifles such as the AR-15, alongside magazines with a capacity exceeding 10 rounds.
The recent decision does not immediately authorize New Jersey residents to purchase or possess firearms previously restricted by the ban. The state is predicted to seek to halt the ruling pending further examination.
What’s Next
New Jersey is anticipated to pursue additional review of the decision, possibly through the full 3rd Circuit or directly at the Supreme Court.
Regardless of upcoming legal proceedings, the matter is already slated for the Supreme Court, where a ruling could decide if assault weapons bans in various states should remain active or be nullified nationwide.
This story is developing, further updates are forthcoming.