Third Circuit Strikes Down New Jersey’s ‘Assault Firearm’ and Magazine Bans

PHILADELPHIA — The full Third Circuit ruled today that New Jersey’s ban on so-called “assault firearms” violates the Second Amendment, and it went further than the district court did. Writing for the en banc majority, Judge Arianna Freeman held that the record “supports the same result for all semi-automatic rifles,” not just the Colt AR-15 the lower court had singled out, and struck the ban as to that entire class of firearms. The court also reversed the district court on New Jersey’s 10-round magazine limit, finding that those restrictions violate the Second Amendment as well.

The 192-page opinion in the consolidated cases, brought by the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, the Firearms Policy Coalition, and individual gun owners, puts the holding in one line: “Bans on weapons in common use for lawful purposes are unlawful.” The cases now go back to the district court to address the other firearms covered by the ban.

This is a breaking story, and a full-length News2A breakdown of the ruling is on the way, so check back shortly.

Download the News2A app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to get notified right on your phone when we publish our full-length article and other important news.