The Supreme Court recently decided not to take up multiple cases challenging an Illinois law that bans assault-style weapons like the AR-15 semiautomatic rifle. The decision to leave the law in place means it remains effective, but the issue is likely to return to the court in the future. The court also sent several other gun cases back to lower courts for further review, avoiding adding new gun cases to its docket for the upcoming term. The court has previously upheld the right to bear arms but recent rulings suggest that some longstanding gun laws can still be enforced.
Justice Clarence Thomas expressed hope that the court would address the issue of which weapons can be restricted under the Second Amendment in the future. The Illinois law bans assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, but it does not affect handguns or existing firearm owners. The law was enacted in response to a mass shooting in 2022 and has faced legal challenges from gun rights activists.
The legal landscape around gun rights has changed significantly due to the Supreme Court’s pro-gun stance in recent years, starting with a landmark 2008 decision recognizing an individual right to bear arms. Attempts to revive a nationwide assault weapons ban have failed, and the court’s recent rulings suggest that some gun restrictions can be upheld. The court’s decision to avoid taking up new gun cases at this time may indicate a reluctance to weigh in on the constitutionality of these laws.
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