Press Article: Supreme Court Declines to Hear Challenge on Maryland Assault Weapons Ban
In a notable decision, a divided Supreme Court voted on Monday not to review Maryland’s ban on assault weapons and semiautomatic rifles, which have gained notoriety for their use in mass shootings. This ruling effectively upholds the state’s prohibition on these firearms, including the popular AR-15 rifle.
The court did not provide an explanation for its choice, a common practice in similar cases. However, three conservative justices expressed their disagreement publicly. Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch voiced support for taking the case, while Justice Clarence Thomas raised concerns about the law’s compatibility with the Second Amendment. He stated, "I would not wait to decide whether the government can ban the most popular rifle in America," highlighting its significance for millions of lawful AR-15 owners nationwide.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, although agreeing to pass on the case for now, hinted at the possibility of future Supreme Court action on such bans within the next couple of years, emphasizing a growing scrutiny of similar laws.
Maryland’s law was enacted following the tragic 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, which claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults, with the perpetrator using an AR-15. The challenge against this law was mounted by individuals asserting their constitutional right to own such firearms.
Across the United States, at least ten states and the District of Columbia have implemented similar restrictions, including major urban areas like New York and Los Angeles. The previous national assault weapons ban lapsed in 2004, leading to an uptick in debates surrounding Second Amendment rights, especially in light of recent rulings that have expanded gun ownership rights.
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