Well, well, well, looks like the Garden State’s attempt to prune the Second Amendment has hit a snag. In a twist that’s sure to ruffle some feathers in Trenton, a federal judge has just ruled New Jersey’s ban on AR-15 rifles unconstitutional. Grab your popcorn, folks, because this legal drama is about to get more interesting than a Jersey Shore reunion.
The Ruling
U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan struck down New Jersey’s longstanding ban on AR-15 rifles, deeming it unconstitutional. This decision, influenced by the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen ruling that expanded gun rights, has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape.
Judge Sheridan’s ruling, however, upheld the state’s cap on magazines over 10 rounds as constitutional. The judge also temporarily delayed the enforcement of his decision for 30 days, giving both sides time to prepare their next moves.
LEGAL ALERT: A U.S. District Court issued a mixed decision in NRA-supported challenges to a NJ gun control law. The court held that a ban on Colt AR-15 rifles is unconstitutional, but upheld a ban on magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.
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— NRA (@NRA) July 31, 2024
Political Reactions
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin wasted no time in expressing his opposition to the ruling. Platkin argues that the decision undermines public safety and vows to appeal.
“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.” – New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin
Governor Phil Murphy, who has enhanced New Jersey’s already strict gun laws during his tenure, also voiced his disapproval of the ruling.
Public and Advocacy Group Responses
On the other side of the debate, the Firearms Policy Coalition, which opposes assault weapon bans, celebrated the decision. The group has vowed to continue legal challenges against similar laws in other states.
“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.” – Brandon Combs, president of the Firearms Policy Coalition
It’s worth noting that nine other states and the District of Columbia have similar laws banning AR-15 style rifles, potentially setting the stage for further legal battles across the nation.
Judge’s Perspective
Despite his ruling, Judge Sheridan expressed frustration with the situation, criticizing federal inaction on gun violence and acknowledging the difficulty of his position.
“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.” – U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan
As the dust settles on this landmark ruling, both gun rights advocates and gun control supporters are gearing up for the next round in what promises to be a prolonged legal battle. The future of gun control in New Jersey hangs in the balance, with potential implications for similar laws across the country.
Sources
- Federal judge says New Jersey’s ban on AR-15 rifles is unconstitutional
- Judge ends New Jersey’s ban on one ‘assault firearm,’ but upholds ammunition restrictions
