Courts

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, expressed disappointment with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit's decision in Barnett v. Raoul, which reversed a lower court ruling that Illinois' law restricting Modern Sporting Rifles and standard-capacity magazines is unconstitutional. NSSF plans to file a cert petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, citing over 32 million MSRs in circulation and disagreeing with the court's characterization of these firearms as "dangerous and unusual."

Firearms Policy Coalition President Brandon Combs criticized the Seventh Circuit's reversal of a district court ruling that declared Illinois' Protect Illinois Communities Act bans unconstitutional. FPC notes the Supreme Court recently granted certiorari in their Viramontes v. Cook County case, which presents the same constitutional issues.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a petition for certiorari with the Supreme Court challenging New York City's ban on electronic arms like stun guns and tasers. The petition, supported by the Second Amendment Foundation and represented by Cooper & Kirk, PLLC, seeks to clarify that the Second Amendment protects all bearable arms and resolve confusion among lower courts regarding constitutional analysis of such bans.

Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), alongside Air Force veteran Craig Philips, filed a federal lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania's lifetime denial of carry licenses for individuals with minor drug convictions. The lawsuit cites the Supreme Court's Hemani decision to argue the ban cannot survive constitutional scrutiny under the Second Amendment.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and the Firearms Policy Coalition filed a petition for Supreme Court review in Calce v. City of New York, challenging New York City's ban on electronic arms. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut and founder Alan M. Gottlieb argue the prohibition violates the Second Amendment and that residents should have access to non-lethal self-defense options.

Knife Rights filed Notices of Supplemental Authority in three federal lawsuits challenging California's switchblade ban, Minnesota's switchblade ban, and the Federal Switchblade Act. Recent Supreme Court decisions in United States v. Hemani and Wolford v. Lopez, along with the Fifth Circuit's ruling in United States v. Comeaux, support Knife Rights' position that knives are protected arms under the Second Amendment's plain text.

Firearms Policy Coalition filed a motion to supplement its federal lawsuit challenging California's handgun roster by adding a claim against the state's ban on semiautomatic handguns with cruciform trigger bars, including most Glock pistols. The coalition, represented by Benbrook Law Group, PC, argues California's expanding handgun bans violate the Constitution and Supreme Court precedent.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and Colorado State Shooting Association (CSSA) filed Elliott v. Denver, challenging Denver's assault weapon ban and magazine restrictions. The filing coincides with the U.S. Supreme Court granting review in FPC's Viramontes v. Cook County case challenging Illinois's assault weapons ban.

The Supreme Court denied Pennsylvania officials' request to review the Firearms Policy Coalition's Third Circuit victory in the Bivens case, leaving in place a ruling that struck down Pennsylvania's ban on peaceable adults under 21 from carrying firearms outside the home. The decision strengthens FPC's ongoing efforts to secure carry rights for young adults in Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Supreme Court granted review in Firearms Policy Coalition's Viramontes v. Cook County, Illinois lawsuit challenging Cook County's ban on semiautomatic rifles as unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. FPC stated this marks a significant step toward eliminating assault weapon bans nationwide.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a Second Amendment Foundation case, making SAF's Third Circuit victory final. The ruling affirmed that adults under 21 have the same Second Amendment rights as older adults, striking down Pennsylvania's carry restrictions during emergencies.

The U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in two Second Amendment Foundation cases: Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, challenging assault weapons bans in Illinois and Connecticut. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut stated the decision will provide necessary guidance on Second Amendment protections for commonly owned semi-automatic rifles.

The NSSF celebrates the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hear Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, petitions challenging state bans on Modern Sporting Rifles. With over 32 million MSRs in circulation, NSSF argues these firearms are protected under the Second Amendment per Heller and Bruen precedents.

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-to-3 decision in Wolford v. Lopez holding that Hawaii cannot presume peaceable carry is forbidden on private property open to the public without express permission. The Firearms Policy Coalition, California Gun Rights Foundation, and the United States filed supporting amicus briefs in the case, which invalidates "vampire rule" laws that burden Second Amendment rights.

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii's "Vampire Rule" in Wolford v Lopez, a victory for gun owners supported by the Second Amendment Foundation, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, Connecticut Citizens Defense League, and Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus. The ruling overturned a law that banned firearm carry on public property unless owners posted signs allowing it.

Firearms Policy Coalition filed a reply brief in Roberts v. ATF, challenging the constitutionality of the National Firearms Act of 1934. The case, supported by plaintiffs including T.J. Roberts, Zachary Cockrell, Meridian Ordnance, Buckeye Firearms Association, Center for Human Liberty, Jews for the Preservation of Firearm Ownership, and American Suppressor Association Foundation, argues the NFA violates Second Amendment rights.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), Louisiana Shooting Association, and Firearms Policy Coalition filed an opening brief challenging the limited scope of an injunction in FPC v. ATF. The Fifth Circuit previously ruled the federal firearms purchase ban for adults under 21 unconstitutional, but the district court restricted relief to Fifth Circuit residents only.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), the Second Amendment Foundation, and Louisiana Shooting Association filed an opening brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in Reese v. ATF, challenging the district court's limited relief after prevailing against the federal age-based handgun and ammunition purchase ban.

Florida's Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled in Eubanks v. State that the state's ban on public carry by 18-to-20-year-old adults violates the Second Amendment, citing Firearms Policy Coalition victories in Worth, Lara, and Reese. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced his office will not appeal the ruling.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a reply brief supporting its motion for summary judgment in Morris v. Savannah, challenging a City of Savannah firearm storage ordinance. FPC member Deacon Morris and attorney John R. Monroe are pursuing the case in Chatham County Superior Court, arguing the ordinance violates Georgia's firearm preemption law.