A federal judge in New Jersey has ruled that the state's ban on the AR-15 rifle is unconstitutional, while upholding the cap on magazines over 10 rounds as constitutional. U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan based his decision on the Supreme Court's recent firearms rulings, particularly the 2022 Bruen decision that expanded gun rights.
The judge's ruling has sparked reactions from both 2nd Amendment advocates and the state attorney general, who are planning appeals. Judge Sheridan has temporarily delayed the order for 30 days to allow for further legal proceedings.
Pointing to the Supreme Court's precedents, Judge Sheridan suggested that more action could be taken at the federal level to address gun-related violence across the nation. He emphasized the need for governmental leaders to address the issue of mass shootings and called for a comprehensive approach to firearms policy.
New Jersey's assault weapons ban, which dates back to 1990, includes the AR-15 among other prohibited firearms. The state's strict gun laws have been a point of contention, with Governor Phil Murphy signing various measures into law, including the 2018 large capacity magazine ban that was central to the recent ruling.
The Firearms Policy Coalition, one of the plaintiffs in the case, criticized the ban on so-called 'assault weapons' as immoral and unconstitutional. On the other hand, New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin defended the ban, stating that the AR-15 is a weapon designed for warfare and has been used in numerous mass shootings across the country.
Several states, including New York and California, have similar laws to New Jersey's, aimed at curbing gun violence and preventing tragedies like the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The legal challenges to state assault weapons bans have drawn on recent Supreme Court decisions, including the Bruen ruling.
As the legal battle continues, both sides are gearing up for further arguments in court. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for gun laws and regulations not only in New Jersey but also across the United States.
