Supreme Court Declines to Review Maryland’s ‘Assault Weapon’ Ban
The Supreme Court recently declined to review a challenge to Maryland’s ban on so-called “assault weapons.” This means that the ban remains in place for now, pending the outcome of further proceedings in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit.
Summary
Maryland’s ban on assault weapons was enacted in 2012 after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The ban prohibits the possession, sale, transfer, or purchase of 45 specific “assault long guns” or their analogues. Certain semiautomatic handguns and rifles are exempt from the ban.
In 2020, a group of Maryland residents, a gun dealer, and pro-Second Amendment groups challenged the ban, arguing that it violates the Second Amendment. After the 4th Circuit upheld the ban, a federal district court dismissed the case based on the appellate ruling. The case was then returned to the Supreme Court, which remanded it for further proceedings in light of its 2022 decision expanding the scope of the Second Amendment.
Ongoing Debate
The Maryland “assault weapon” ban remains a contentious issue, pitting gun rights advocates against proponents of gun control. The Supreme Court’s refusal to review the ban at this stage indicates that the legal battle is far from over. The 4th Circuit will continue to consider the case, and the Supreme Court may ultimately weigh in later.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision not to intervene in Maryland’s “assault weapon” ban highlights the complex and evolving nature of gun laws in the United States. The “history-and-tradition” test will continue to guide lower courts as they grapple with the balance between the Second Amendment and public safety. As the debate rages on, it is crucial for all parties to engage in respectful and evidence-based discussions to find solutions that protect both individual rights and the well-being of society as a whole.