A federal judge in New Jersey has ruled that the state's ban on AR-15 rifles is unconstitutional while upholding the restriction on magazines holding more than ten rounds.
This decision, delivered in a 69-page opinion by U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan, has sparked plans for appeals from both Second Amendment advocates and the state attorney general.
ABC News reported that the ruling comes after a significant legal battle influenced by the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision.
Judge Sheridan's opinion suggests that while he is bound by the Supreme Court's precedents, there is frustration over the lack of action from governmental leaders to address gun violence.
New Jersey's AR-15 rifle ban has been a part of the state's stringent gun laws, particularly under Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy. Murphy, who has signed multiple gun control measures, expressed his concern over the ruling and remains hopeful for an appeal.
In contrast to the ruling on the AR-15, the state's cap on magazines over ten rounds was upheld. Judge Sheridan's decision to delay the order for 30 days allows both sides to prepare their appeals.
Sheridan referenced the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, which has had a notable impact on gun control laws nationwide. He pointed out that, despite the Supreme Court’s guidelines, the issue of gun violence continues to plague the nation due to inaction from federal leaders.
Second Amendment advocates, such as the Firearms Policy Coalition, have celebrated the ruling. Brandon Combs, president of the coalition, stated that bans on assault weapons are both immoral and unconstitutional. The coalition intends to continue fighting against such bans across the United States.
New Jersey is known for having some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Gov. Murphy signed a large capacity magazine ban in 2018 and added more measures in 2022. The state's assault weapons ban, which includes the Colt AR-15 rifle, dates back to 1990.
Attorney General Matt Platkin has been vocal about his opposition to the ruling. He highlighted the AR-15 as a weapon designed for warfare, often used in mass shootings. Platkin is committed to pressing their arguments on appeal, emphasizing the necessity to keep such firearms off the streets.
Judge Sheridan suggested that more needs to be done at the federal level to address gun violence. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, balancing the Second Amendment rights with the need to protect communities from gun-related violence.
The ruling has also led to responses from other states with similar laws. Nine other states and the District of Columbia have gun laws comparable to New Jersey’s. The decision may have implications for these states, potentially leading to more legal challenges.
In Connecticut, a gun rights group has already cited the Bruen decision in challenging the state's 2013 gun control law. This indicates a growing trend of legal battles over gun control measures in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision.
Gov. Murphy has consistently supported strict gun control measures. He argued that weapons like the AR-15 belong in war zones, not on the streets of New Jersey. His administration remains committed to fighting for these laws, despite the current ruling.
The delay in implementing the judge’s order provides a window for further legal actions. Both advocates for and against the ruling are preparing for the next steps in this ongoing legal saga.
Judge Sheridan's comments reflect a broader frustration with the current state of gun legislation. He emphasized the role of Congress and the president in addressing the epidemic of mass shootings, suggesting that more comprehensive action is needed.
The outcome of the appeals will be closely watched, not just in New Jersey, but across the country. This case could set a precedent for other states with similar gun control laws, influencing future legal battles and legislative actions.
New Jersey's AR-15 rifle ban has been ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge, while the restriction on high-capacity magazines remains in place.
The decision has led to plans for appeals from both Second Amendment advocates and state officials.
The ruling, influenced by the Supreme Court's Bruen decision, underscores the ongoing national debate over gun control. As the state prepares for further legal battles, the future of New Jersey's strict gun laws hangs in the balance, with significant implications for similar laws across the country.
