Current:Home > FinanceFederal judge says New Jersey’s ban on AR-15 rifles is unconstitutional -Trailblazer Capital Learning
Federal judge says New Jersey’s ban on AR-15 rifles is unconstitutional
View
Date:2025-04-17 18:52:57
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey’s ban on the AR-15 rifle is unconstitutional, but the state’s cap on magazines over 10 rounds passes constitutional muster, a federal judge said Tuesday.
U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan’s 69-page opinion says he was compelled to rule as he did because of the Supreme Court’s rulings in firearms cases, particularly the 2022 Bruen decision that expanded gun rights.
Sheridan’s ruling left both 2nd Amendment advocates and the state attorney general planning appeals. The judge temporarily delayed the order for 30 days.
Pointing to the high court’s precedents, Sheridan suggested Congress and the president could do more to curb gun-related violence nationwide.
“It is hard to accept the Supreme Court’s pronouncements that certain firearms policy choices are ‘off the table’ when frequently, radical individuals possess and use these same firearms for evil purposes,” he wrote.
Sheridan added: “Where the Supreme Court has set for the law of our Nation, as a lower court, I am bound to follow it. ... This principle — combined with the reckless inaction of our governmental leaders to address the mass shooting tragedy afflicting our Nation — necessitates the Court’s decision.”
Nine other states and the District of Columbia have laws similar to New Jersey’s, covering New York, Los Angeles and other major cities as well as the sites of massacres such as the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, where 20 children and six adults were killed by a shooter armed with an AR-15, one of the firearms commonly referred to as an assault weapon.
“Bans on so-called ‘assault weapons’ are immoral and unconstitutional. FPC will continue to fight forward until all of these bans are eliminated throughout the United States,” said Brandon Combs, president of the Firearms Police Coalition, one of the plaintiffs.
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin said in a statement the ruling undermines public safety.
“The AR-15 is an instrument designed for warfare that inflicts catastrophic mass injuries, and is the weapon of choice for the epidemic of mass shootings that have ravaged so many communities across this nation,” he said.
He added: “We look forward to pressing our arguments on appeal.”
Several challenges to state assault weapons bans have cited the Bruen decision.
New Jersey has among the strictest gun laws in the country, particularly under Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, who has signed a number of measures into law, including the 2018 large capacity magazine ban at the center of this week’s ruling. More measures Murphy signed in 2022 include allowing the attorney general to use the state’s public nuisance law to go after gun makers in court. A message seeking comment Wednesday was left with a spokesperson for the governor.
The state’s assault weapons ban dates to 1990 and includes various other weapons, but Sheridan focused on the AR-15, citing the plaintiffs’ concentration on that weapon in their court filings. The large capacity magazine bill signed by Murphy lowered the limit from 15 rounds to 10 against the protest of 2nd Amendment advocates. The bill’s sponsors said the goal was to reduce the potential for mass casualties in shootings.
—-
Associated Press reporter Lindsay Whitehurst in Washington contributed.
veryGood! (1937)
Related
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- Republican primary for Utah US House seat narrows into recount territory
- Booted out of NBA, former player Jontay Porter due in court in betting case
- Carol Bongiovi, Jon Bon Jovi's mother, dies at 83
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Grandmother who received first-ever combined heart pump and pig kidney transplant dies at 54
- Wisconsin secretary of state settles open records lawsuit brought by conservatives
- Save Big on the Cutest Kate Spade Bags You'll Wear Every Day, Including $71 Crossbodies in so Many Colors
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Mike Gundy's DUI comments are insane thing for college football coach to say
Ranking
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- 'Gladiator II' trailer teases Paul Mescal fighting Pedro Pascal — and a rhinoceros
- Stellantis recalls 332,000 vehicles over faulty seat belt sensor
- Couple charged with murder in death of son, 2, left in hot car, and endangering all 5 of their young kids
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Fed's Powell says labor market 'has cooled really significantly.' Are rate cuts coming?
- Arizona election worker accused of stealing a security fob also charged with other crimes
- People are paying thousands for 'dating boot camp' with sex experts. I signed up.
Recommendation
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
Ellen DeGeneres Says She's Done After Netflix Special
6 Ninja Turtle Gang members arrested, 200 smuggled reptiles seized in Malaysia
Messi’s 109th goal leads defending champion Argentina over Canada 2-0 and into Copa America final
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Walmart's Largest Deals Event of 2024 is Here: Save Up to 80% Off Apple, Shark, Keurig, LEGO & More
Nikki Haley releases delegates to Trump ahead of Republican National Convention
Judge closes door to new trial for Arizona rancher in fatal shooting of Mexican man