Federal Appeals Court Voids New Jersey Assault Weapons Ban, Though 12 States Still Restrict Sales
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 19
Federal Appeals Court Voids New Jersey Assault Weapons Ban, Though 12 States Still Restrict Sales
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 19
Summary
New Jersey’s longstanding assault weapons ban was ruled unconstitutional by a federal appeals court, but the decision is paused and the law remains in effect for now.
The ruling reflects the post-2022 legal shift after the Supreme Court adopted a new test for gun restrictions, opening the door for gun-rights groups to challenge state and local laws.
Twelve states and Washington, D.C., currently ban assault-weapon sales, typically targeting semiautomatic rifles such as AR-15-style firearms and, in some cases, certain handguns and shotguns.
Delaware’s 2022 ban could also be vulnerable under the New Jersey ruling if challenged, with the broader fight set to intensify before the Supreme Court weighs similar restrictions.