Domestic Policy
Are You in Favor of an AR-15 Ban?
Are You in Favor of an AR-15 Ban?
Here’s The Scoop
In a significant win for Second Amendment advocates, a federal judge has struck down New Jersey’s controversial AR-15 ban, ruling it unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan issued a 69-page decision declaring that New Jersey’s “Assault Firearms Law” violated the Constitution by prohibiting the possession and sale of AR-15s. This ruling came after the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs and the Firearms Policy Coalition challenged the state’s restrictions, including another provision that bans higher-capacity magazines.
Judge Sheridan cited landmark Supreme Court decisions on gun regulations to support his ruling, particularly the recent Bruen decision. In that case, the Supreme Court struck down New York’s stringent concealed carry restrictions, signaling that gun control laws must align with the “historical tradition of firearm regulation” in the U.S.
“That is, where the Supreme Court has set forth the law of our Nation, as a lower court, I am bound to follow it,” wrote Sheridan. He emphasized that the Constitution, combined with the lack of effective action from government leaders to address mass shootings, necessitated his decision. “For these reasons and those below, the AR-15 Provision of Assault Firearms Law is unconstitutional.”
Sheridan stressed that owning AR-15s for self-defense is protected by the Second Amendment and aligns with America’s historical context of firearm regulation.
However, it wasn’t a complete victory for gun rights supporters. The judge upheld the ban on other similar rifles, such as the Beretta AR-70 and the Springfield Armory BM59, noting that arguments were only presented concerning the AR-15. He also ruled that New Jersey’s prohibition on higher capacity magazines was constitutional, citing their frequent use in mass shootings.
Scott Bach, Executive Director of the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs, acknowledged that while the decision is mixed and expected to be appealed by both parties, it marks a crucial step forward. “It invalidates part of New Jersey’s ‘assault firearms’ ban— a misguided hardware ban destined to be overturned in its entirety,” Bach stated.
Democrat New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin sharply rebuked the court’s ruling, accusing it of “weaponizing the Second Amendment to undermine public safety” and vowed to appeal the decision to overturn the AR-15 ban.
What do you think? Let us know by participating in our poll, or join the discussion in the comment section below!
Patricia Winters
August 2, 2024 at 8:00 am
What a shame that guys enjoy killing so much.
R.Earl
August 2, 2024 at 8:04 am
Grow up! Mankind has enjoyed killing LONG before there were firearms of any kind. Started with Cain!
Stephen
August 2, 2024 at 11:11 am
You are obviously ignorant of weapons and history! I suggest you’ve ignored the lessons of history and the necessity for self defense!
How do you defend against anyone or anything that endangers you or those that you love? The second amendment is straight forward,unambiguous in its meaning that the right to self defense is an inalienable right! Citizens must have weapons at least equal to any threat to self or others and that includes government!
Don
August 3, 2024 at 9:35 am
Correct and this hasn’t happened until they lying libs showed up. People have an absolute right to protect themselves against the punks and savages commonly known as liberals. This problem wasn’t around until they showed up.
Scotty
August 2, 2024 at 8:16 am
All gun control laws are unconstitutional. The Second Amendment, and our Founders writings, are very clear. The Government cannot keep citizens from bearing arms, ANY arms!
Don
August 3, 2024 at 9:36 am
Yep and teh biggest reason for this problem now is liberals and failed parents.
Fred
August 2, 2024 at 8:47 am
Mere laws can’t stop drugs or prostitution, what makes people think it will get rid of guns? It would only take defense away from law abiding citizens.the only reason for gun bans of any kind is government is afraid of patriots overthrowing their leftist commie takeover.
Don
August 3, 2024 at 9:37 am
Absolutely.
Larry
August 3, 2024 at 3:05 pm
Until we bring back the death penalty this will only get worst. Any shooting other than self defense, should get one appeal and then if found guilty, the death sentence immediately. Should not be dragged out for months or years.
Matt
August 16, 2024 at 8:59 am
The tools are not the problem, the people are. Enforce existing laws and raise children that value life.
Mr John L Tanskly Sr
August 19, 2024 at 12:35 pm
Gun bans- hogwash- what about knives, hammers, nails in boards etc. if you ban one item all need to be banned. It is not the object it is the person using the object–period–. Banning guns is the liberal progressive way of controlling you. The liberal progressives are afraid of a people uprising.