AR-15 Ban in New Jersey Struck Down as Unconstitutional by Judge

By: Georgia | Published: Aug 01, 2024

A pivotal court ruling has struck down New Jersey’s ban on AR-15 rifles as unconstitutional while preserving parts of the law that limit magazine capacity to 10 rounds. 

The decision taps into the Supreme Court’s recent expansion of gun rights through the 2022 Bruen decision, making it a landmark case for gun legislation.

Future Legal Battles Loom

The ruling has sparked preparations for appeals from both gun rights activists and New Jersey’s top legal officials. 

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A woman wearing protective headphones and eyewear fires an AR-15 rifle at an outdoor shooting range; she is dressed in casual attire with a scarf draped over her shoulders

Source: Wikimedia Commons

By pausing the ruling for 30 days, the judge has given both parties time to gear up for a deeper legal confrontation.

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The Influence of Supreme Court Precedents

In his decision, U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan heavily cited Supreme Court precedents, notably the Bruen decision.

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The front view of the United States Supreme Court building in Washington D.C., showcasing its classic facade with columns and the inscription "Equal Justice Under Law" above the entrance

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He pointed to the need for legislative and executive branches to address gun violence more robustly.

Judge Sheridan Questions Supreme Court Limits

In a striking comment, Judge Sheridan criticized the constraints imposed by the Supreme Court on firearm policies, particularly troubled by the dichotomy of restricting some policies while violent misuse of firearms continues. 

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An AR-15 rifle equipped with a scope and other tactical accessories is displayed horizontally on a rough wooden log in a forest setting

Source: STNGR LLC/Unsplash

His words reflect a deep-seated conflict within the current legal framework.

The National Scope of New Jersey’s Gun Laws

New Jersey’s gun control laws, which align with those in nine other states and the District of Columbia, aim to mitigate the toll of gun violence in places heavily affected by mass shootings, like Sandy Hook. 

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A view of the New Jersey State Capitol building in Trenton, showing its distinctive golden dome and classical architecture, under a cloudy blue sky

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These collective measures underscore a national effort to manage assault weapons more strictly.

Firearms Policy Coalition Vows to Fight On

Brandon Combs of the Firearms Policy Coalition reacted strongly to the ruling, emphasizing the group’s stance against assault weapon bans and vowing to challenge them across the country. 

Close-up view of an AR-15 rifle laying on rocky ground, focusing on the details of the gun's body and markings that identify the model and specifications

Source: Wikimedia Commons

His assertive promise highlights the ongoing national debate over gun control.

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New Jersey's Attorney General Critiques the Decision

Attorney General Matt Platkin was quick to decry the ruling.

A diverse group of people, including a woman and a young boy, hold signs at a gun control rally with messages like "Thoughts and prayers are not bulletproof" and "No More. No Guns!"

Source: Heather Mount/Unsplash

He emphasized the public safety risks posed by allowing access to AR-15s, which he described as “instruments designed for warfare” and prominently used in mass shootings across the nation.

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New Jersey's Continued Legal Efforts

Attorney General Platkin expressed readiness to challenge the ruling on appeal.

A close-up of an AR-15 rifle outfitted with a scope and tactical gear, resting inside a protective carrying case with foam padding

Source: Bexar Arms/Unsplash

This reflects New Jersey’s commitment to uphold its strict gun control measures and combat what he views as a significant threat to public safety.

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Nationwide Legal Repercussions

The effects of the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision are echoing throughout the country, with states like Connecticut facing similar legal battles over their own assault weapons bans. 

The Supreme Court building under a bright blue sky, showcasing its grand architecture and the American flag flying above

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This national legal landscape is being reshaped as states grapple with the implications of the Bruen ruling.

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Governor Murphy’s Firm Stance on Gun Control

Governor Phil Murphy, known for his strict approach to gun control, has implemented several measures aimed at reducing gun violence, including the magazine capacity limits under scrutiny. 

A middle-aged man in a suit and tie, identified as a public figure or politician, smiling confidently in an urban street setting

Source: Wikimedia Commons

His administration has taken a clear stance, viewing these controls as crucial for safety in New Jersey.

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Governor Murphy Reacts to the Ruling

Murphy described the ruling as concerning and is optimistic about its reversal on appeal. 

he same man from the previous image addressing an audience from behind a podium in a large, light-filled room, using hand gestures to emphasize his points

Source: Wikimedia Commons

He stressed that such weapons “belong in a war zone rather than on a New Jersey street.” 

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Reviewing New Jersey's Gun Control History

Tracing back to 1990, New Jersey’s approach to gun control has specifically targeted assault weapons like the Colt AR-15, reflecting an ongoing commitment to reduce the potential for mass casualties. 

A man seated at a shooting range aiming an AR-15 rifle equipped with a scope and other attachments, wearing a baseball cap and headphones for hearing protection

Source: Dylan Hunter/Unsplash

This historical context is essential for understanding the state’s persistent efforts in legislative battles over gun control.

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