Court Overturns New Jersey’s Semiautomatic Rifle Ban

A federal appeals court has struck down New Jersey’s ban on semiautomatic rifles and magazines holding more than 10 rounds. This is viewed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) as a significant win in their ongoing litigation since 2018.

The en banc ruling from the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that New Jersey’s restrictions on assault firearms and large-capacity magazines infringe on the Second Amendment. The court ruled these laws unconstitutional, extending to all semiautomatic rifles, not solely the AR-15, and struck down the state’s ban on these rifles and specific magazine capacities.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia held that New Jersey’s assault-firearm and large-capacity magazine restrictions violate the Second Amendment.

Justin Davis, the NRA’s managing director of public affairs, regarded this as a crucial victory, affirming the organization’s stance on gun rights. The NRA praised the decision, describing it as historically significant for gun owners across the nation.

Today marks a historic victory for the NRA, the Second Amendment, and law-abiding Americans, stated the NRA, highlighting the reaffirmation of gun ownership rights.

Judge Arianna Freeman, appointed by President Biden, led the majority that referenced Supreme Court decisions requiring governments to align modern firearm restrictions with America’s traditional firearm regulations. The court saw New Jersey’s laws as failing this standard.

While some judges dissented, viewing the firearms in question as military-style weapons that states can regulate, the majority viewed the restrictions as inconsistent with historical precedents. This decision aligns with challenges to similar bans across the United States.